Scholar Rock's Corporate and Business Development (C&BD) team is responsible for Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, Business Development, Inorganic Value Creation, maximizing pipeline progress, de-risking, and non-dilutive financing. Reporting to the CBO, this role focuses on developing a partnering strategy, identifying and triaging opportunities, leading cross-functional due diligence teams, and negotiating a variety of deals (in-licensing, collaborations, etc.) across the pipeline. This position serves as a key external-facing leader and subject matter expert within the C&BD team, representing BD efforts and leading short-term cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
Key Responsibilities:
-
BD Opportunity Landscape: Continuously scout and update a comprehensive landscape of BD opportunities within the designated therapeutic area (TA), aligning partner targets with SRRK’s priorities.
-
BD Opportunity Triage: Screen and assess unsolicited external proposals to determine business viability, prepare recommendations on proposals that cover strategic, technical, financial, commercial and legal aspects, involving the respective departments
-
External Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with senior management and BD groups from potential partner companies, technology transfer groups, academic institutions, and the venture capital community.
-
Deal Execution: Identify, evaluate, and transact deals aligned with C&BD strategy and SRRK’s sustainability goals. Lead scouting efforts at key conferences (JPM, BIO, and TA-specific events).
-
Partnering Interactions: Work closely with Research, Finance, Development, and Commercial teams to prospect, negotiate, and close BD deals that enhance SRRK’s pipeline. Serve as the main point of contact for external partners, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic institutions, and other collaborators.
-
Due Diligence & Negotiation: Lead external scouting, technical evaluation, and due diligence, preparing scientific and business rationales for transaction proposals. Negotiate terms on in-licensing, out-licensing, co-promotions, research collaborations, and other deals.
-
Internal Collaboration: Support SRRK project teams (discovery, development, and marketing) in partnering activities, ensuring cross-functional alignment. Act as a thought partner to Research, Development, Finance, and Commercial Heads, driving innovative approaches to partnerships.
-
Industry Knowledge: Stay current on industry trends, therapeutic approaches, and regulatory/commercial issues. Maintain thorough knowledge of SRRK’s portfolio and R&D processes to articulate partnering goals and practices effectively in public forums.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D., M.D., MBA, or equivalent degree with 10+ years post-degree experience, preferably in biopharma, with training in business analytics or commercial disciplines.
- At least 5 years’ experience in global deal negotiations, with a proven track record of sourcing partners and closing deals in discovery, preclinical, and commercial areas. A comprehensive deal sheet demonstrating executed deals is required.
- Significant experience in drug development processes (preclinical to commercial) and strong scientific acumen to engage in technical discussions with KOLs and academic experts.
- A well-established network within the pharma/biotech industry and deep knowledge of innovative alliance structures, industry trends, and competitive issues in pharmaceutical business development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, with demonstrated success working in a matrix environment and achieving consensus with cross-functional stakeholders.
