Head of Contracts & Alliances
Location: San Francisco Bay Area | Onsite 4 days/week

About the Company
A privately held, exceptionally well-funded research and development organization is advancing cutting-edge biological and therapeutic discovery. The company combines curiosity-driven research, innovative technology, and deep academic and industry partnerships to enable groundbreaking scientific and medical progress.

Position Summary
The organization is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to direct its Contracts & Alliances Group, which provides contractual, business, and intellectual property support for external collaborations and internal research initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer, this person will play a central role across the scientific and business landscape of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the contracts and alliances function, including a team of contracts professionals.

• Work closely with internal scientists, senior leadership, and external academic and industry collaborators.

• Independently negotiate a wide variety of research and development agreements, including:

  • Sponsored research agreements

  • Licenses

  • CDAs

  • MTAs

  • MSAs

  • Consulting and software agreements

  • Amendments and related deal structures

• Support and help manage active scientific collaborations.

• Provide business and strategic guidance on intellectual property matters in coordination with IP counsel.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Alliance Management, Finance, project teams, and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Ph.D. or JD preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in contract negotiation, contract management, or business development roles requiring close collaboration with research partners.

• Extensive experience negotiating a wide variety of agreements within a research-focused healthcare, biotech, or institutional environment.

• Experience supporting intellectual property portfolios in partnership with IP counsel.

• Exceptional communication, analytical skills, and independent judgment.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong internal and external relationships with scientific stakeholders.

• Prior leadership or team management experience is preferred.

• Must be willing to work onsite at least four days per week in the San Francisco Bay Area.