Manager, Ecosystem Engagement & Business Development

BioLabs; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BioLabs in Princeton seeks a Manager, Ecosystem Engagement & Business Development to grow occupancy at Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs (PICB) by cultivating relationships with universities, investors, incubators, and life science partners.

You will build a strong resident pipeline, deliver a high-touch concierge experience, manage partnerships, events, and reporting while collaborating with regional leadership to expand PICB's presence in New Jersey and the broader ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years in business development, partnerships, or related roles.
• Experience in biotech, life sciences, or innovation ecosystems preferred.
• Proven ability to develop opportunities and manage a pipeline.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with MS Office and CRM tools; strong LinkedIn usage.

Responsibilities

• Identify prospects, partners, and sponsors for PICB in collaboration with BioLabs leadership.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective resident companies from outreach to contract.
• Generate new business opportunities through networking, referrals, outreach, marketing, and ecosystem engagement.
• Qualify prospective resident companies and coordinate introductions with the Regional Director.
• Conduct personalized tours and communicate the value of the PICB community.
• Support occupancy growth by maintaining relationships throughout the prospect journey.
• Track and maintain pipeline activity, occupancy, and BD metrics using CRM tools.

Skills

Networking

Relationship building

Communication

Organized

Multi-priority management

Social media (LinkedIn)

CRM familiarity

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in Life Sciences or Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM software

LinkedIn

Job description

BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators – from early‑stage founders to established R&D teams – to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Learn more at www.biolabs.io.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Manager, Ecosystem Engagement & Business Development supports Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs (PICB) occupancy growth by building relationships within the regional scientific ecosystem, developing a strong pipeline of prospective resident companies, and delivering an exceptional concierge experience for prospective and existing member companies and residents.

This is a business development and engagement role. It is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with innovators and representing a brand in the ecosystem for stakeholders, prospective members and residents, and partners and sponsors. The Manager, Ecosystem Engagement & Business Development must be comfortable learning from specialists outside their own area of expertise, including entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, universities, and industry partners. The successful candidate is a natural networker who thrives on asking questions, building and managing relationships, proactively identifying and acting on opportunities, creating momentum, and representing PICB within the innovation community. If you never miss a networking event, love linking people to each other, and are eager to become the “face of” one of New Jersey and the surrounding region’s innovation ecosystem’s premier incubators, we’re looking to meet you!

Working closely with the Regional Director, this individual helps strengthen PICB’s presence in the market, supports business development activities, and contributes to a vibrant and engaged resident community.

Responsibilities

• Business Development
  • Identify prospects, partners, and sponsors for PICB in close collaboration with Biolab’s Regional Director and PICB team.
  • Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective resident companies, from initial outreach through contract execution.
  • Generate new business opportunities through extensive networking, referrals, outreach, marketing, and ecosystem engagement.
  • Qualify prospective resident companies and coordinate introductions with the Regional Director.
  • Conduct personalized tours and communicate the value of the PICB community.
  • Support occupancy growth by maintaining strong relationships throughout the prospect journey.
  • Track and maintain accurate pipeline activity, occupancy, and business development metrics using CRM tools.
• Customer Success & Community
  • Build strong relationships with resident companies to promote engagement and retention.
  • Inquire about members’ research and business needs, and offer concierge connections to resources and collaborators.
  • Deliver a high‑touch resident experience.
  • Support PICB’s community programming, networking events, and resident engagement activities, through in‑person attendance and amplify in networks and social media as relevant.
• Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement
  • Develop and maintain relationships with universities, venture capital firms, incubators, accelerators, and industry partners.
  • Represent PICB at industry events and within the regional life sciences community.
  • Identify partnership opportunities that strengthen the resident pipeline and increase PICB’s visibility.
• Marketing & Reporting
  • Collaborate with PICB colleagues on local marketing initiatives and social media content.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records and business development data.
  • Prepare reports on pipeline activity, occupancy, equipment usage, member success, member feedback, partnerships, and market trends.
• Collaboration
  • Partner closely with the Regional Director, BioLabs team, and the PICB Board to support occupancy growth, resident success, and site performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong networking, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field a plus.
• 2+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, customer success, or a related role, preferably within biotechnology, life sciences, or innovation ecosystems.
• Experience developing business opportunities and managing a pipeline.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and strong social media experience (especially heavy use of LinkedIn). Experience with CRMs is a plus.
• Collaborative, creative, self‑motivated, and passionate about supporting the innovation community.
• This is an onsite role. After‑hours attendance required at regional ecosystem events, as well as occasional limited travel to New York/Philadelphia.

BioLabs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.