DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AI & LIFE SCIENCES, University Research

Position Type

Boston Universitys office of Corporate Research and Contracting is a central resource for companies seeking to engage with the University on research initiatives and related contracting activities. Formerly the office of Industry Engagement, the office of Corporate Research and Contracting, has been rebranded and sharpened to focus on the management and facilitation of industry-funded research and research contracts, including industry-sponsored research agreements, material transfer agreements, data transfer agreements, and other research-related agreements with industry and non-industry partners.

About the Role

The Director of Business Development, AI and Life Sciences will be responsible for identifying, developing, and advancing new corporate research partnerships with companies in artificial intelligence, data science, biopharma, digital health, and related life sciences sectors. This role will build meaningful and sustainable relationships with industry partners that lead to increased investment in Boston University research, aligned with corporate priorities and University strengths. The Director will work closely with faculty researchers, Technology Development, schools and colleges, and corporate partners to translate BUs research capabilities into strategic partnership opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and advance new corporate research partnerships with companies in artificial intelligence, data science, biopharma, digital health, and related life sciences sectors.
• Build meaningful and sustainable relationships with industry partners that lead to increased investment in Boston University research, aligned with corporate priorities and University strengths.
• Work closely with faculty researchers, Technology Development, schools and colleges, and corporate partners to translate BUs research capabilities into strategic partnership opportunities.
• Prospect and relationship development, understanding industry research priorities, matching company needs with faculty expertise, supporting the development of sponsored research opportunities, and helping move prospective collaborations from initial engagement through agreement execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in business development, corporate partnerships, research administration, technology transfer, sponsored research, life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, data science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage relationships with companies, faculty, senior leaders, researchers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with corporate-sponsored research programs, academic-industry partnerships, technology commercialization, research collaborations, alliance management, or related partnership models.
• Knowledge of one or more relevant sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, computational biology, or life sciences research.
• Familiarity with research agreements, intellectual property considerations, technology transfer, sponsored programs, and/or university-industry collaboration models.
• Entrepreneurial, strategic, and dynamic individual with a commitment to advancing scientific research and building high-impact partnerships.
• Proven ability to gain credibility and trust across multiple layers of sophisticated organizations, including universities, corporations, faculty, executives, legal and contracting teams, and research administrators.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research capabilities into compelling partnership opportunities for industry audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, creativity, persistence, and commitment to teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in business development, corporate partnerships, research administration, technology transfer, sponsored research, life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, data science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage relationships with companies, faculty, senior leaders, researchers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with corporate-sponsored research programs, academic-industry partnerships, technology commercialization, research collaborations, alliance management, or related partnership models.
• Knowledge of one or more relevant sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, computational biology, or life sciences research.
• Familiarity with research agreements, intellectual property considerations, technology transfer, sponsored programs, and/or university-industry collaboration models.
• Entrepreneurial, strategic, and dynamic individual with a commitment to advancing scientific research and building high-impact partnerships.
• Proven ability to gain credibility and trust across multiple layers of sophisticated organizations, including universities, corporations, faculty, executives, legal and contracting teams, and research administrators.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research capabilities into compelling partnership opportunities for industry audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, creativity, persistence, and commitment to teamwork.

Skills

• Business development
• Corporate partnerships
• Research administration
• Technology transfer
• Sponsored research
• Life sciences
• Artificial intelligence
• Data science
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Digital health
• Computational biology

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

Not specified

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.