Senior director - biopharma business development lead

At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word—a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. That’s why we’re not just transforming cancer care—we’re changing lives.

We introduced precision medicine to the world and built an industry around the idea that every patient deserves answers as unique as their DNA. Backed by cutting-edge molecular science and AI, we ask ourselves every day: “What would I do if this patient were my mom?” That question drives everything we do.

But our mission doesn’t stop with cancer. We're pushing the frontiers of medicine and leading a revolution in healthcare—driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.

Join us in our mission to improve the human condition across multiple diseases. If you're passionate about meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Caris is where your impact begins.

Position Summary

The Caris BBD team continues to grow with the expansion of its business portfolio partnerships with biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare partners. BBD is seeking a senior business development professional to join its team as a valuable contributor to the team. This leader is expected to leverage their acquired experience and expertise, including a deep knowledge of genomics, diagnostics, data, and/or the drug development continuum including early research, development, medical and commercialization and, along with a substantial set of pharmaceutical industry business contacts to build robust business channels.

Job Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will harness their scientific and business acumen and work with cross-functional teams across the organization internally and externally with business partners to promote the Caris BBD business portfolio. The incumbent will leverage their business network and connections, as well as expertise, to target partners. The BBD lead will be expected to learn the company’s products/solutions, and work with current and prospective partners to meet their needs through delivery of Caris’ solutions or tailored customization of products. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for generating leads, developing presentations and proposals, negotiating terms, supporting contracting processes and managing existing and prospective partner relationships.

The BBD lead will help drive and develop relationships with existing and prospective partners to maximize revenue and collaboration opportunities, all while working with internal cross-functional stakeholders and team members such as Caris’ molecular science, laboratory, bioinformatics, technology, pathology, legal and medical affairs teams. Coverage of the business portfolio of accounts are determined by geographic locations, BBD leads technical expertise, bandwidth, resources, among other criteria.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years professional work experience, with at least 5 years in Biopharma or business development roles
• Proven business development track record (e.g., deal sheet) leading diligences, and complex organization-wide efforts to deliver partnerships with Biopharma.
• Transactions knowledge (e.g., contracting, deal sheets, multi-tier / multi-constituent decision making, etc.).
• Experience as the external face of the organization, leading and participating in BD partnering events (e.g., JPM, BIO) and oncology conferences.
• Lead customer demos and presentations both in-person and virtually.
• Build strategic partnerships with existing and current partners and act as a voice of the customer internally within various departments of Caris.

BioPharma and Precision Medicine

• Extensive knowledge of the research and development business processes within biopharma with clarity about prioritized targets, call points, internal decision-maker constituents, and related insights.
• A deep understanding of (e.g., scientifically) and/or experience partnering on oncology products, lab services, therapeutic assets, bioinformatics, real-world data, and real-world evidence programs, and/or clinical trial enrollment related products / services to pharma and biotech is critical.
• Experience in molecular biology, with knowledge of drug discovery and development processes, and/or diagnostics and platforms preferred.
• Expertise across biopharma value chain with a strong understanding of the drug development continuum including early research, development, medical and commercialization.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA and/or MD or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
• A professional with superior oral/written communication skills as well as negotiation skills.
• A motivated, self-initiator and goal-orientated individual who can grow the business portfolio.
• Proven experience in sales/business development with biopharma companies with the ability to scale from modular sale to larger strategic partnerships.
• Team-oriented, problem-solving mindset focused on delivering quality solutions to promote business success.
• Team player, willing to support the team and deliver organizational goals through collaboration.
• Ability to develop materials such as documents, presentations, and other communication tools for both internal (e.g., evaluation and leadership presentation activities) and external facing activities (e.g., pitch decks).
• Entrepreneurial mindset, independent, self-determined, strategic thinking, high intellect with flexible behavior style.
• Some travel required (~30% with emphasis on regional partners).

Training

All job specific, safety, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this employee.

Other

This position requires periodic travel and some evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Annual Hiring Range

$200,000 - $220,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level. The pay ratio between base pay and target incentive (if applicable) will be finalized at offer.

Description of Benefits

Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options

• Health Savings Account for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Flexible Spending Account to pay for certain out-of-pocket expenses
• Paid time off, including: vacation, sick time and holidays
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Tuition Assistance

Conditions of Employment: Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions) and reference verification.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.