Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation

Lakefront Biotherapeutics NV; Chicago, San Francisco (IL, CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Lakefront Biotherapeutics seeks an experienced Associate Director / Director of Search & Evaluation to identify external opportunities that strengthen our R&D pipeline and support long-term strategy.

You will evaluate licensing, collaboration, and M&A opportunities with cross-functional partners across Transactions, Alliance Management, Corporate Strategy, Clinical Development, Research, Finance, Legal, and more.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree required.
• 6-10+ years in biotech/pharma, BD/ R&D strategy or venture investment.
• Strong understanding of disease biology and clinical data interpretation.
• Experience leading cross-functional diligence or strategic projects.

Responsibilities

• Search and sourcing external programs aligned with company strategy.
• Evaluate opportunities with biology, preclinical/clinical data, differentiation, and commercial potential.
• Synthesize complex information into concise, actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Partner with diligence teams to identify risks and value drivers and develop investment theses.
• Conduct landscape analyses to identify emerging science, therapeutic areas, and whitespace.
• Support BD, Finance, and Legal on valuation, deal structure, and execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Influencing skills

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is a global biotech with offices in Belgium, Chicago and San Francisco, focused on building a differentiated immunology and inflammation pipeline to address serious diseases with high unmet medical need. Our pipeline is anchored by T-cell engager programs, led by a potential first-in-class clinical asset and complemented by an exciting preclinical portfolio in autoimmune disease.

Our lead asset is being developed for severe immune-mediated diseases, while additional preclinical programs expand the long-term potential of our R&D pipeline. At Lakefront, we focus on advancing programs with strong biological rationale, clear clinical proof of concept and large commercial opportunities.

Are you ready to transform lives and be part of a journey like no other? We are building a company where science, execution, and accountability matter. Rather than layers of hierarchy, we operate with small, empowered teams that work hands-on across development stages to move programs forward efficiently and thoughtfully.

We are looking for people who want to contribute directly, who are motivated by solving real problems, collaborating across disciplines, and taking ownership from idea to impact. At Lakefront, every role plays a part in shaping the future of medicines that have the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients.

If you are driven to improve the lives of patients, energized by execution, and excited to help build a growing company with a strong balance sheet, we look forward to meeting you.

The Role

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Associate Director / Director, Search & Evaluation to identify, evaluate, and advance external business development opportunities that strengthen Lakefront Biotherapeutics' R&D pipeline and support long-term strategy. This role requires strong scientific judgment, drug development expertise, and strategic thinking to evaluate licensing, collaboration, and M&A opportunities. The Associate Director / Director will partner cross-functionally with Transactions, Alliance Management, Corporate Strategy, Commercial Assessment, Clinical Development, Research, Finance, Legal, and other key business functions.

What You'll Do

• Search & Sourcing: Proactively identify external programs, platforms, and technologies aligned with company strategy. Build / maintain relationships across biotech, academia, venture capital, and the broader innovation ecosystem, to stay informed on emerging science and market trends.
• Opportunity Evaluation: Partner with cross-functional teams and contribute to the scientific and strategic assessments of external opportunities, including biology, preclinical/clinical data, differentiation, development strategy, competitive landscape, and commercial potential.
• Decision Support: Synthesize complex scientific and business information into concise, actionable recommendations for senior leadership and governance committees.
• Due Diligence: Partner with cross-functional diligence teams, identify key risks and value drivers from technical side, and develop clear, evidence-based investment theses.
• Strategy: Conduct landscape analyses and thematic searches to identify emerging science, attractive therapeutic areas, and areas of competitive whitespace.
• Transaction Support: Partner with Business Development, Finance, and Legal on valuation, deal structure, negotiations, and transaction execution.
• External Engagement: Represent the company at scientific conferences, partnering meetings, and other industry forums.
• Talent Development: Mentor junior team members by providing coaching, scientific guidance, and support for professional growth.

What You Bring

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced scientific/medical degree required.
• 6-10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotech/pharma, ideally spanning Search & Evaluation, Business Development, R&D strategy, drug development, or venture investment.
• Strong understanding of disease biology, drug development, and interpretation of preclinical and clinical data.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations under scientific and commercial uncertainty.
• Experience leading cross-functional diligence or strategic projects.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
• Robust external network and demonstrated ability to build relationships across the biotech ecosystem.

Key Attributes

• Strong scientific and strategic judgment
• Able to identify the critical questions that drive an investment decision
• Comfortable making decisions with incomplete information
• Curious and passionate about emerging science in biotech
• Collaborative and team-oriented

Base compensation for this position ranges from $180,000 - 250,000. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time. In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Lakefront Biotherapeutics' performance bonus plan. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.

At Lakefront Biotherapeutics, we are committed to attracting individuals who bring strong expertise, integrity, and a collaborative mindset. We value people who take ownership, work effectively across teams, and want to contribute to meaningful progress.

You will join a highly motivated and supportive team working together to advance our pipeline and strengthen how we operate. As we continue to build and grow, we offer an environment where individuals can develop, take on responsibility, and make a tangible impact.

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.