Job Description

Gardner Innovation Search Partners has been exclusively retained to recruit the position of Director of Business Development and IP Licensing for the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network.

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network is a groundbreaking research initiative dedicated to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of disease and developing technologies to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases.

We bring together top scientists, engineers, and innovators from across the world to collaborate on high-impact research projects. Our mission is to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and translate these discoveries into real-world health solutions.

The Director of Business Development and IP Licensing will be a key leader in driving the strategic growth of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network. This individual will be responsible for identifying and executing new business opportunities and working with each of the Biohubs (San Francisco, Chicago, New York and the Chan Zuckerberg Imaging Institute) to oversee the licensing and commercialization of intellectual property. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in life sciences, exceptional negotiation skills, and a proven track record in business development and IP management within academia or the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

• Organization : Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network
• Title: Director of Business Development and IP Licensing
• Target range : $275,000-$300,000 plus 15-20% bonus
• Work environment : Hybrid, must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area (preferred) or New York City Area
• Visa Sponsorship: US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Job Duties:

Business Development:

• Develop and implement business strategies to expand the reach and impact of the BH Network’s intellectual property portfolio. Form a deep understanding of the existing portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, academic institutions (not least of which are the 9 Biohub Network partner universities), Biohub-spinout founders and funders, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to inform business development strategies. Understand that, when they exist, competitors comprise a diverse set of non-profit, academic, and industry research entities and combinations there of.

IP Licensing:

• Work with the BH Network’s intellectual property team to oversee and manage the Network-wide IP portfolio.
• Develop and implement IP licensing strategies to maximize the value of the BH Network’s innovations. Understand that value in this context consists of a mix of financial, as well as societal good and founder-friendly criteria.
• In partnership with the legal team, negotiate and manage licensing agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align business development and IP licensing activities with the BH Network’s overall mission and objectives. Senior leadership sits across multiple organizations.
• Create and foster relationships with the diverse cadre of intramural (i.e., within each Biohub/CZII) and extramural (i.e., Investigators at partner universities) researchers, so as to understand the science and engineering being pursued to advise on IP strategies.
• Represent the BH Network at industry conferences, meetings, and other events.
• Develop strategic initiatives, policies, and procedures for the Biohub network.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., MBA, JD, or equivalent) in life sciences, engineering, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in business development and IP licensing, preferably within academia or the life sciences industry.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property law and commercialization processes, including for non-profit organizations.
• Proven track record of successfully negotiating and managing complex business agreements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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