Associate Business Development Director

Neurocrine Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation, holiday and personal

Paid caregiver/ parental and medical

Health benefits

Job summary

Neurocrine Biosciences seeks a senior business development leader to identify, evaluate, and advance licensing opportunities and strategic partnerships in a dynamic biopharmaceutical setting. You will drive cross-functional deals, coordinate due diligence, and influence senior leadership on optimal strategies.

Responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams, negotiating terms, and developing business cases against market dynamics.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in life sciences, finance, business or similar field with 10+ years in BD or related area.
• Master's degree in scientific field with 8+ years of experience.
• PharmD or PhD with 6+ years of applicable experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in search and evaluation of assets and platforms.
• Experience leading due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring.

Responsibilities

• Leads complex BD transactions and strategic partnering initiatives from identification to execution.
• Independently assesses external assets and companies aligned with strategic priorities.
• Leads cross-functional teams; defines workplans, timelines and deliverables.
• Directs due diligence across scientific, clinical, commercial and IP domains and synthesizes findings.
• Leads valuation analyses and develops business cases with market and deal dynamics.
• Develops transaction strategy and negotiates terms with legal and finance partners.

Skills

Strategic deal evaluation

Cross-functional leadership

Due diligence analysis

Financial acumen

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

BS/BA in life sciences, finance, business

MS in scientific field

PharmD/PhD in related field

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Financial modeling

Contract review tools

Job description

Who We Are: Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

Leads business development activities focused on identifying, evaluating, and advancing licensing opportunities, strategic partnerships, and other transactions in the biopharmaceutical space. Independently drives search and evaluation, scientific and commercial assessment, due diligence, valuation, business case development, and deal execution for complex opportunities. Integrates scientific, clinical, commercial, intellectual property, financial, and legal considerations to develop recommendations and influence decision‑making. Serves as a key cross-functional leader for business development initiatives, builds productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, and provides advice and counsel to senior leadership on opportunities that may impact pipeline and business strategy.

Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Leads complex business development transactions and strategic partnering initiatives from initial identification and evaluation through diligence, negotiation, contracting, execution, and transition, as applicable
• Independently identifies and evaluates external assets, technologies, platforms, and companies that align with the Company's strategic priorities and pipeline objectives
• Leads cross-functional internal and external teams supporting business development opportunities, establishing workplans, decision points, timelines, and deliverables
• Directs scientific, clinical, commercial, intellectual property, financial, and operational due diligence in partnership with subject matter experts; synthesizes findings into clear recommendations for senior leadership
• Leads valuation analyses and business case development for potential transactions, integrating scientific risk, development assumptions, market opportunity, competitive dynamics, and deal economics
• Develops transaction strategy and leads or plays a significant role in deal structuring, term sheet development, contract review, and negotiations in close collaboration with Legal, IP, Finance, and other partners
• Provides strategic recommendations regarding the prioritization and advancement of business development opportunities based on Company strategy, portfolio needs, and external market dynamics
• Maintains deep knowledge of industry trends, companies, therapeutic areas, emerging technologies, treatment modalities, and competitive landscapes relevant to the Company
• Partners closely with Research and Development and other functions to define areas of strategic interest and translate internal priorities into external search and evaluation activities
• Builds and maintains relationships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, investors, bankers, advisors, and other external partners to support sourcing and transaction activity
• Represents the Company in partnering meetings and conferences and develops high-quality presentations, proposals, and decision materials for internal and external audiences
• Provides functional expertise and mentorship to less-experienced colleagues and may lead critical projects or workstreams without direct people-management responsibility
• Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of Business Development processes, tools, best practices, and team infrastructure
• Ensures all interactions and activities are conducted in compliance with internal policies, governmental regulations, and applicable best practices
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• BS/BA degree in life sciences, finance, business, or a similar field AND 10+ years of applicable experience in business development, venture capital, investment research, investment banking, corporate development, or a related area; biotechnology/pharmaceutical scientific experience preferred
• OR Master's degree in a scientific field AND 8+ years of similar applicable experience
• OR PharmD, or PhD in an applicable field AND 6+ years of similar applicable experience
• A strong deal sheet encompassing deals of various size and complexity describing the transactions as well as level of involvement and scope of responsibilities
• Demonstrated expertise in search and evaluation of preclinical and clinical-stage assets and platforms across relevant therapeutic areas and modalities
• Significant experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical business development, search and evaluation, corporate development, venture capital, investment research, investment banking, or a related function
• Strong scientific acumen and the ability to identify key differentiation, risks, and value drivers for potential partner programs, assets, and platforms
• Strong understanding of the biotechnology/pharmaceutical competitive landscape, drug development process, regulatory approval pathways, and key value inflection points
• Demonstrated experience leading or materially contributing to due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, contracting, and negotiation activities for business development transactions
• Ability to integrate business objectives and strategic direction into recommendations on complex opportunities and critical external relationships
• Excellent project leadership and project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives and cross-functional teams
• Strong business judgment and demonstrated ability to integrate scientific, commercial, financial, intellectual property, and legal considerations into business development recommendations
• Advanced analytical and creative problem-solving skills; ability to assess complex and ambiguous information and develop practical, well-supported recommendations
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts and gain alignment across functions and with senior leaders
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor communications to executive, technical, and external audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and deliver with a high degree of accuracy, urgency, and follow-through
• Demonstrated ability to build productive internal and external relationships and collaborate effectively across functions
• Proficiency with tools used to support business development analysis, presentations, project management, and transaction execution

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer. We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $173,900.00-$238,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program.

Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

We are a top place to work. Neurocrine Biosciences was named one of the FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Biopharma 2026. We were also named a Great Place to Work Certified company.

OUR VALUES:

• PASSION: We are driven and love what we do. We are committed to our goals and to making a difference.
• INTEGRITY: We do the right thing for patients and our community. We take accountability. We speak up.
• COLLABORATION: We trust one another. We are inclusive. We are respectful. We are transparent. Together we succeed.
• INNOVATION: We seek and create optimal solutions.
• TENACITY: We do not quit. We adapt. We accomplish what others cannot.

Come join our team during this exciting time of growth and opportunities!