Director of Strategic Partnership and Business

About Acelegen
Acelegen Technology is an AI-native biotechnology company building the next generation of intelligent biological research and automation platforms.
We bring together frontier AI, computational biology, advanced robotics, and laboratory automation to accelerate scientific discovery and transform how biological research is conducted.
Our mission is to make biological research faster, more scalable, and more intelligent through the integration of AI and physical automation.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development to drive strategic collaborations with leading AI companies, pharmaceutical organizations, biotechnology companies, and research institutions.
This is a high-impact role working closely with our CEO, scientific leadership, and engineering teams to identify partnership opportunities, build executive-level relationships, and translate emerging technologies into meaningful commercial and research collaborations.
The ideal candidate combines strong business development experience, an understanding of AI and biotechnology, and a proven ability to build and execute complex strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, pharmaceutical companies, biotech organizations, and research institutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior executives, scientific leaders, and key decision-makers.
• Develop partnership strategies aligned with Acelegen's technology roadmap and business objectives.
• Explore opportunities for joint research, technology integration, co-development, and commercial collaborations.

Business Development & Deal Execution

• Lead the full partnership lifecycle, from identifying opportunities and initial outreach to negotiations and agreement execution.
• Structure and negotiate strategic partnership agreements, joint development agreements, pilot programs, and commercial collaborations.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of high-value strategic opportunities.
• Evaluate the commercial potential, strategic value, and feasibility of prospective partnerships.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the CEO, AI research, biology, and automation teams to identify opportunities for external collaboration.
• Translate complex scientific and technical capabilities into compelling partnership proposals.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful partnership execution.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to company leadership.

Market Development

• Monitor emerging trends across AI, biotechnology, drug discovery, and laboratory automation.
• Identify new markets, business models, and commercialization opportunities.
• Represent Acelegen at industry conferences, strategic meetings, and partner engagements.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, corporate development, or related roles.
• Demonstrated success in developing and closing strategic partnerships within AI, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related technology industries.
• Strong network within the AI, biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences ecosystem.
• Experience managing complex negotiations and cross-functional partnerships.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to operate independently and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred

• MBA, MS, or PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience at an AI-driven biotechnology company, pharmaceutical company, or leading technology organization.
• Familiarity with AI for Science, AI-driven drug discovery, computational biology, or laboratory automation.
• Experience establishing partnerships with major technology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, or research institutions.
• Experience building strategic partnerships from the ground up in an early-stage startup.
• Understanding of intellectual property, technology licensing, joint development, and commercial partnership structures.

What Success Looks Like

• Establish a strong network of strategic relationships across the AI and biotechnology ecosystems.
• Build a qualified pipeline of high-value partnership opportunities.
• Advance strategic collaborations from initial discussions to formal agreements and active programs.
• Develop partnerships that accelerate Acelegen's technology development, commercialization, and long-term growth.

Why Join Acelegen?

• Frontier Innovation: Work at the intersection of AI, biotechnology, and robotics.
• High Impact: Play a key role in shaping the company's strategic partnerships and commercial direction.
• Direct Leadership Access: Collaborate closely with the CEO and founding technical team.
• Ownership & Growth: Join an ambitious early-stage company with meaningful opportunities for professional growth and equity participation.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented scientists, AI researchers, and engineers building next-generation biotechnology platforms.

Compensation & Benefits
Acelegen offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Equity participation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

Join us in building the future of AI-powered biotechnology.