Director of Biopharma Partnerships

SAGA Diagnostics is a personalized cancer diagnostics and disease monitoring company focused on molecular genetic analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). The company’s mission is to improve precision cancer medicine, provide more accurate treatment monitoring, and improve patient survival using minimally invasive liquid biopsy cancer testing services. SAGA’s proprietary MRD platform can help patients, oncologists, and drug developers detect actionable mutations, stratify patient groups, and monitor treatment response, residual disease, and disease recurrence at unprecedented sensitivity, specificity, and scale.

SAGA is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Biopharma Partnerships to drive SAGA’s MRD platform uptake in biopharmaceutical translational and clinical research efforts. This role will be pivotal in expanding our partnerships, identifying new market opportunities, and enhancing our portfolio of diagnostic services tailored to the biopharma industry. As a critical member of the business development team, you will report directly to the VP of Business Development and Partnerships, collaborating closely to align our strategies and initiatives with the organization's broader goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly scaling cancer genomics startup with excellent momentum, international attention, and strong customer traction – where every role is critical. Through cooperation and teamwork, you will have the opportunity to help grow the company and make a real difference for people with cancer worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Partnerships: Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships with biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Market Analysis: Conduct comprehensive market assessments to identify emerging trends, competitive landscape, and potential business opportunities in the biopharma sector.
• Business Strategy: Develop and implement business development strategies that align with SAGA Diagnostics' overall goals, focusing on revenue growth and market expansion.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including C-level executives, to understand their needs and propose tailored solutions that leverage SAGA’s capabilities.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiations for collaborations, licensing agreements, and other business arrangements to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including R&D, commercial, clinical development, quality, regulatory, and operations, to align business development initiatives with product development and commercialization strategies.
• Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of business development initiatives and report regularly to senior leadership on progress and outcomes.
• Some travel will be required for this position (approximately 15-20%)
• Other responsibilities based on the individual's skills and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in business development within the biopharmaceutical or diagnostic industry, with a proven track record of successfully closing RUO through CDx deals.
• Detailed knowledge of the minimal residual disease (MRD) diagnostics landscape and technologies, including emerging trends and innovations.
• Strong understanding of the biopharma landscape, including drug development processes, regulatory environments, key players, and market dynamics.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and a passion for advancing healthcare through innovation.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills, including experience in developing and delivering presentations.
• Extensive contracting and forecasting experience.
• Knowledge of Product Development would be an advantage.
• Strong troubleshooting and data interpretation skills.
• Strong teamwork skills with a proven track record of working collaboratively to ensure the delivery of projects to meet challenging timelines.
• Flexibility towards work assignments, new learning, and travel.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, and paid parental leave.
• Membership to SAGA’s Equity scheme.   

Primary location: Remote

SAGA Diagnostics is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces and encourages applicants of every background.  The company’s policy regarding equal employment opportunity means that all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action and termination will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].