Business Development and Licensing Associate Director

Merck Gruppe; Gillingham; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

The role:

The Technology Scouting and Access/Licensing team is a remote group within Biology R&D that supports R&D and the Biology business by scouting for novel and emerging technologies primarily from academia and early stage companies. The aim is to deliver unique insight, ideas, discoveries and technologies to R&D and the wider Biology business to help create and develop future research products and services. In addition, the team is also responsible for licensing technologies into the organization, putting in place and managing the agreements, and out-licensing technologies and other IP in order to generate revenue.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify and Evaluate Novel Technologies: Proactively identify novel technology and discoveries primarily from academia and early stage companies including literature reviews and networking; and assess potential external partners, academic institutions, startups, and industry collaborators, to determine potential fit within the Biology portfolio.
• Licens Negotiation and Execution: Negotiate, draft and execute new licensing agreements with a particular focus on 3D cell culture and organoids following our Group’s acquisition of HUB Organoids. Manage post-signature deals including assisting with compliance and reporting obligations. Provide guidance to existing team members.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal R&D, product management, marketing, business development, legal, patent, regulatory, quality, venture capital and finance teams to align external innovation efforts with the company's strategic objectives and operational capabilities.
• Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment: Conduct market analysis and opportunity assessments to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and potential areas for external collaboration and investment. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership based on market intelligence and industry trends.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with external licenses, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (internal and external), intellectual property considerations, and ethical standards.

This position offers the flexibility to be located in the UK or Western Europe. Travel, including international trips, may be required up to 10% of the time.

Who you are:

• MS/MSc degree in the life sciences
• Extensive experience of technology scouting and/or in- and out-licensing experience or other relevant experience in a commercial environment (i.e. life science research tools companies)
• Established experience working for a mid- to large-sized life science company
• Command of complex IP concepts including patents, materials, trademarks
• Financial acumen and ability to build and defend financial analyses and business cases including DCFs for both consumables and digital assets
• Demonstrated ability to identify new life science technologies and secure life science licensing and partnership opportunities
• Proficiency in negotiating and drafting licensing agreements, contracts, and other legal documents, specifically in the context of life sciences valuing >$5M NPV.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for negotiation, relationship building, and engagement with senior life science stakeholders
• High EQ and ability to influence across all levels in a multinational matrix organization
• Flexibility to work in a complex, globally dispersed matrixed organisation with strong starter and finisher attitude

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• PhD in the life sciences
• Solid strategic experience within a life sciences, biotech or pharmaceutical company with a proven business development track record
• Proven direct line management experience