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.