Senior Associate, Biotech
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
The Senior Associate, Biotech is a strategic member of the Technology Development and Industry Engagement (TDIE) department responsible for advancing the commercialization of scientific innovations and supporting the translation of St. Jude discoveries into therapies, technologies, diagnostics, and partnerships that improve the lives of children worldwide.
Job description
This role supports the institution's innovation and business development efforts through rigorous scientific, clinical, commercial, and financial evaluation of emerging technologies and market opportunities. Leveraging expertise in biotechnology, drug development, and strategic analysis, the Senior Associate partners with researchers, clinicians, institutional leaders, industry collaborators, and investment stakeholders to assess the potential of novel discoveries and develop pathways for commercialization.
Job Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and prioritize biotechnology innovations and commercialization opportunities across therapeutic areas, technologies, and emerging scientific trends.
- Conduct scientific, clinical, commercial, and financial due diligence, including assessment of market opportunity, competitive landscape, intellectual property, regulatory considerations, reimbursement dynamics, and business viability.
- Perform market research, industry analysis, and stakeholder engagement activities to inform opportunity assessments, commercialization strategies, and strategic decision-making.
- Develop financial models, valuation analyses, and business cases to support technology commercialization, licensing, investment, and partnership opportunities.
- Prepare and present due diligence materials, market assessments, executive summaries, and recommendations for business development and investment decisions.
- Support technology transfer and business development transactions, including opportunity tracking, diligence coordination, data room management, term sheet development, and closing activities.
- Maintain and analyze innovation pipeline, portfolio, market intelligence, and performance data to support reporting, strategic planning, and portfolio management activities.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with faculty, researchers, industry partners, investors, key opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to advance commercialization objectives.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives and represent the organization at industry, academic, and partnering events to identify opportunities and promote institutional interests.
Minimum Education and/or Training
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or other relevant scientific area.
Minimum Experience
Seven (7) years of relevant experience is required. Five (5) years of relevant experience with a Master's degree. Two (2) years of relevant experience with a PhD. Experience in roles with demonstrated analytical and strategic rigor, with experience in drug development, consulting, biomedical research, investment banking, private equity, and/or venture capital investing preferred.
Special Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Applies critical thinking to analyze complex information, adapt to changing priorities, and develop effective solutions.
- Communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders and presents information in a clear, concise, and audience-appropriate manner.
- Delivers results through data-driven decision-making, collaboration, accountability, and effective prioritization.
- Strong knowledge of biotechnology innovation, biomedical research, drug development, and commercialization principles.
- Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills, including the ability to evaluate scientific, commercial, and financial opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or other relevant scientific area
- Seven (7) years of relevant experience required
- Five (5) years of relevant experience with a Master's degree
- Two (2) years of relevant experience with a PhD
- Experience in drug development, consulting, biomedical research, investment banking, private equity, and/or venture capital investing preferred
- Strong knowledge of biotechnology innovation, biomedical research, drug development, and commercialization principles
- Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Critical thinking and complex information analysis
- Effective communication with diverse stakeholders
- Data-driven decision-making and collaboration
Benefits
- Remote work eligible
- Travel to Memphis quarterly
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.