Director, External Innovations

Role Summary

Director, External Innovations based in one of BioNTech’s US offices (Cambridge, MA; Gaithersburg, MD; or New Jersey). Reports to the VP, External Innovations and works in an entrepreneurial team to generate new ideas and evaluate external innovation opportunities. Requires strong scientific judgment, creativity, and the ability to navigate uncharted environments to deliver valuable deals, with collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to partnering activities with companies in support of BioNTech’s global vision.
• Create, negotiate, and execute term sheets and agreements with global pharma partners and biotech companies for various types of collaborations.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders as part of the deal-making process including R&D, alliance management, legal, IP, finance, and senior management.
• Create, evaluate, and identify partnering and acquisition opportunities.
• Communicate progress on business development activities to internal stakeholders.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize preclinical/clinical data, scientific literature, and other technical information.
• Seek highly promising innovations in stealth mode for potential development at BioNTech.
• Write deep-dive reports with high quality in a concise manner for internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience in partnering, contract negotiation, and business development in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
• Required: Experience building partnerships with global pharma partners, biotech companies, and academics including drafting and negotiating term sheets and contracts.
• Required: Experience working in a highly cross-functional and international setup.
• Required: Driven, proactive, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments; capable of acting independently as well as collaboratively across functions.
• Required: Impeccable integrity, work ethic, and commitment.
• Required: Organized, detail-oriented, with the ability to multi-task.
• Required: Strong passion for science, particularly oncology; strong data-searching and analytical skills; ability to synthesize large data sets into actionable recommendations for senior management.
• Required: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Preferred: Advanced degree (Master’s, MD, or PhD).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Preferred: Advanced degree (Master’s, MD, or PhD).