Director of Corporate and Business Development
at Weaver Biosciences
in
Boston,
Massachusetts
Posted in Other about 3 hours ago.
Type: full-time
Job Description:
Weaver Biosciences is pioneering novel small-molecule therapies that drive
programmable, sequence-specific edits to the epigenome to treat diseases with broad
impact. Our therapeutics platform is based on small molecule epigenome editors
(Epitors) that are readily programmed to bind specific DNA sequences and recruit
epigenetic regulators (e.g. histone acetyltransferase, DNA methyltransferase) locally to
drive therapeutically-relevant epigenetic changes at defined sites via induced proximity.
The platform can yield a suite of Epitors that either upregulate healthy genes/reactivate
silenced genes (ON-Epitors) or silence disease-causing genes (OFF-Epitors). The
small-molecule properties (broad biodistribution, scalability) and DNA sequence
selectivity together make a powerful combination that has the potential to vastly expand
the capability & utility of epigenome editing, which is currently limited by delivery issues
encountered by existing gene therapy-based approaches. This unlocks epigenome
editing as a therapeutic strategy for many conditions in oncology, immunology,
metabolic diseases, and genetic diseases. Weaver was founded by Longwood Fund
with leading academic investigators and backed by a top-tier VC syndicate.
Position Overview
Weaver Biosciences is seeking a dynamic and science-driven Director of Corporate and
Business Development to spearhead partnership strategies, corporate initiatives, and
business development efforts. This is an exceptional opportunity for a PhD-level
scientist who excels in articulating complex science and has a natural ability to engage
diverse audiences with clarity and impact. In this role, you'll work closely with internal
stakeholders and external partners to identify and execute strategic opportunities that
align with Weaver's goals and vision.
Key Responsibilities
? Strategic Partnership Development: Lead inbound and outbound business
development initiatives. Lead and support partnering efforts (i.e. negotiation,
coordination of due diligence activities, drafting research plants, financial
analysis, term sheet drafting, etc).
? Investment and Fundraising Support: Collaborate closely with the executive
team and potential investors to support fundraising efforts, including preparing
pitch materials and presenting to potential investors.
? Product and Portfolio Strategy: Lead commercial & scientific diligence efforts
that inform & drive long-term R&D strategies. Maintain an up-to-date
understanding of market landscape and competitive dynamics in NewCo's areas
of interest.
? Communication of Science: Lead efforts to communicate Weaver's therapeutic
approaches & scientific results effectively to potential partners, stakeholders, and
the broader scientific community. Responsible for shaping external corporate
communications.
? Project Management: Serve as a central coordinator across functions & key
stakeholders to ensure seamless communication & alignment on company's
strategic goals, execution plans, and milestone expectations. Work closely with
R&D and finance teams to monitor project progress against timelines,
milestones, and budgets.
Qualifications
? PhD in a Scientific Discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biochemistry,
Pharmacology) with a strong background in biotechnology or related field or MD.
? 3+ years of industry experience in corporate or business development within
the biotech or pharmaceutical sectors.
? Interest and / or experience in induced proximity and the heterobifunctional
therapeutic space is highly preferred.
? Exceptional Communication Skills: Proven ability to translate complex
scientific information into clear, impactful presentations and discussions.
? Presentation Expertise: Skilled in delivering compelling presentations to a
range of audiences, from scientific peers to investors.
? Analytical Mindset: Ability to evaluate market trends, scientific advancements,
and partnership opportunities critically.
? Organizational Skill: Exceptional organizational abilities to handle multiple
projects or tasks simultaneously. Attention to detail for overseeing various project
phases.
? Relationship Builder: Adept at forging and nurturing high-value partnerships
with diverse stakeholders across the industry.