Strategic Business Development Representative

The MESH Academy at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is seeking a Business Development and Industry Relations Manager, Life Sciences, who is a collaboration-focused and strategically minded professional to join a dynamic and purpose-driven Business Development and Industry Relations (BDIR) team.

Job Summary

This person will report directly to an Assistant Director of BDIR. S/he/they will be responsible for building close relationships with faculty, generating new business, and implementing high-level corporate partnerships for the Keck School of Medicine of USC for long-term growth. S/he will liaise with key internal stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to corporate outreach, synthesizing various internal needs and translating these needs to facilitate corporate engagement. 

The ideal candidate will have in-depth experience in academic-industry relations and evaluating technologies with translational potential. S/he will have a track record of building mutually beneficial corporate partnerships from the higher education side and the corporate side and can provide evidence of thinking creatively and translating complex materials to diverse audiences. This position promotes best practices in business development and industry relations across campus, develops new strategies to ensure productive and lasting university-industry relations, and contributes to biotech economic development activities in the Los Angeles region.

The position location is a combination of on- and off-site, as needed. A substantial amount of time engaging with research faculty in person is expected. Travel will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts outreach to faculty at the Keck School of Medicine of USC to understand their research and gauge their interest in collaborating with industry
• Develops close relationships with researchers and inventors at all ranks and consult on various levels of industry engagement that may suit their needs.  
• Researches information on companies and provides summaries of company research areas of interest and market needs.
• Identifies opportunities for sponsored research projects, joint proposal submissions, and cutting-edge equipment procurement.
• Prepares personalized briefings for opportunities, presenting information to individuals, groups of varying sizes and levels of executive leadership at USC, and prospective partners
• Develops programming for business development events and organizes visits/seminars/symposia for academic-industry engagement.
• Translates priority research areas into value propositions and inspiring marketing collateral that are differentiators for potential industry prospects.
• Provides a bridge across USC and collaborates with internal innovation offices, such as the Office of Research, Contracts and Grants, USC Stevens Center for Innovation for licensing and commercializing opportunities), or Development.
• Builds external relationships that could support faculty research by identifying and cultivating industry prospects and, eventually, developing and managing a portfolio of corporate relationships
• Provides alliance management support as needed to create long-term value
• Execute campus visits for corporate representatives that showcase cutting-edge academic and research programs, world-class faculty, and talented students.
• Provides entrepreneurial support (startup consultation, pitch-deck support, connection to startup resources) for USC faculty.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters of Life Sciences, Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or academic healthcare sectors with a demonstrated track record in building corporate partnerships.
• Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of both the academic research process and the industry research and product development process.
• In-depth experience in facilitating research collaboration and strategic alliances, including (but not limited to) sponsored research, technology transfer, and economic development.
• A strong customer service-oriented individual who will be responsive to the needs of faculty and industry affiliates.
• Outstanding judgment and capability to manage highly complex issues and relationships and demonstrates the ability to work effectively and collegially with internal constituents (faculty, staff, and University administration).
• Ability to influence and manage challenging situations using scientific, legal and/or industry knowledge and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Strong multi-tasking and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Expertise in current market conditions and trends for life science industry sectors (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices) and working knowledge of best practices in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry deal terms.

The annual base salary range for this position is $97,897.16 - $120,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree; Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience with the process of new business development. Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills required. Demonstrated analytical, relationship-building and problem solving skills.