Business Development Executive (Maternity Cover)

Medicines Discovery Catapult; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Medicines Discovery Catapult in Alderley Park seeks a dynamic business development professional to drive partnerships across the UK Biotech SME sector and academia. You will identify external partners for new R&D opportunities and seek funding opportunities for resulting projects.

This role suits a motivated individual aiming to move into a commercial role, with strong collaboration, deadline-driven work ethic, and a platform to generate real impact in life sciences.

Qualifications

• Degree in life sciences related subject.
• Proven experience in the life sciences, biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector.
• Exposure to the management of scientific research projects, including collaborative projects with biopharmaceutical/biotech companies.
• Experience in working in cross-functional teams and leading without formal authority.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiations skills.
• Creative talents and the ability to solve problems.
• Previous experience of report/document production, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for the Catapult across the UK Biotech SME sector and Academia.
• Develop detailed understanding of the Catapults core capabilities and research goals in order to support intelligent sourcing of potential partners.
• Support prospecting activities by identifying new sales leads and expanding our numbers of potential partners.
• Pitching MDC capabilities and services to target potential partners.
• Researching the needs of companies working within drug discovery and development.
• Active engagement with SMEs relevant to MDC to create new commercial opportunities.
• Work across MDC’s business to convert potential projects to new collaborative R&D or commercial opportunities.
• Attend conferences, meetings and industry events to generate new opportunities.
• Provide support to the business development team.
• Developing quotes and proposals.

Skills

Business dev

Life sciences

Stakeholder mgmt

Negotiation

Proposal writing

Cross-functional

Market analysis

Communications

Project coordination

Education

Life sciences degree

Job description

Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national Life Sciences service dedicated to turning drug discovery into commercial breakthroughs. We accelerate the development of science, and where there are areas of unmet patient need, we stimulate innovation.

By transforming drug discovery, we can improve patient lives, increase the impact of the UK Life Sciences sector, and create a healthier society and economy. Our interventions work. Since we started, we have helped over 300 companies raise over £1bn of R&D investment. We seek passionate individuals who are eager to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in the field of drug discovery.

Together, we can unlock new therapies, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation. If you are ready to make an impact, we invite you to be part of our journey.

The values of the Catapult are:

• Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence.
• Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other.
• Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other.
• Innovation - We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work.

Role purpose

The successful candidate will have experience in life sciences research through either roles in industry, consultancy, grant writing agencies or academia. You will have a chance to contribute to the success of the sector by identifying and matching external partners to new R&D opportunities arising with MDC and to seek funding opportunities for resulting projects.

This role will suit a highly-motivated individual, who is keen to move into a commercial role or to further develop
their business development skills. We are looking for someone who is collaboratively minded, deadline driven and
well organised. The opportunity to join a high-profile national organisation will provide a fantastic platform to
generate real impact and enhance your career.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Advocate for the Catapult across the UK Biotech SME sector and Academia.
• Develop detailed understanding of the Catapults core capabilities and research goals in order to support intelligent sourcing of potential partners.
• Support prospecting activities by identifying new sales leads and expanding our numbers of potential partners.
• Pitching MDC capabilities and services to target potential partners.
• Researching the needs of companies working within drug discovery and development.
• Active engagement with SMEs relevant to MDC to create new commercial opportunities.
• Work across MDC’s business to convert potential projects to new collaborative R&D or commercial opportunities.
• Attend conferences, meetings and industry events to generate new opportunities.
• Provide support to the business development team.
• Developing quotes and proposals.

Essential qualifications, experience and knowledge

• Degree in life sciences related subject.
• Proven experience in the life sciences, biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector.
• Exposure to the management of scientific research projects, including collaborative projects with biopharmaceutical/biotech companies.
• Experience in working in cross-functional teams and leading without formal authority.
• Strong technical, scientific, and/or operational experience in industry and/or academia.
• Knowledge of relevant market analyses, business planning, private finance, and IP.
• Ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiations skills.
• Creative talents and the ability to solve problems.
• Previous experience of report/document production, and attention to detail.

Closing date: 21st October 2026 - Please note the closing date for applications may be brought forward if a high volume of applications are received.

This role is on a 12 month fixed term contract basis