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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Scout and evaluate novel technologies, negotiate licensing agreements, and collaborate across teams.
- Company: Join a global leader in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics dedicated to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, diverse culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that drives scientific advancements and makes a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: MS/MSc in life sciences with extensive experience in technology scouting and licensing.
- Other info: Position available in the UK or Western Europe; travel may be required up to 10%.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
The role:
The Technology Scouting and Access/Licensing team is a remote group within Biology R&D that supports R&D and the Biology business by scouting for novel and emerging technologies primarily from academia and early stage companies. The aim is to deliver unique insight, ideas, discoveries and technologies to R&D and the wider Biology business to help create and develop future research products and services. In addition, the team is also responsible for licensing technologies into the organization, putting in place and managing the agreements, and out-licensing technologies and other IP in order to generate revenue.
Key responsibilities:
- Identify and Evaluate Novel Technologies: Proactively identify novel technology and discoveries primarily from academia and early stage companies including literature reviews and networking; and assess potential external partners, academic institutions, startups, and industry collaborators, to determine potential fit within the Biology portfolio.
- Licens Negotiation and Execution: Negotiate, draft and execute new licensing agreements with a particular focus on 3D cell culture and organoids following our Group’s acquisition of HUB Organoids. Manage post-signature deals including assisting with compliance and reporting obligations. Provide guidance to existing team members.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal R&D, product management, marketing, business development, legal, patent, regulatory, quality, venture capital and finance teams to align external innovation efforts with the company\’s strategic objectives and operational capabilities.
- Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment: Conduct market analysis and opportunity assessments to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and potential areas for external collaboration and investment. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership based on market intelligence and industry trends.
- Risk Management and Compliance: Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with external licenses, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (internal and external), intellectual property considerations, and ethical standards.
This position offers the flexibility to be located in the UK or Western Europe. Travel, including international trips, may be required up to 10% of the time.
Who you are:
- MS/MSc degree in the life sciences
- Extensive experience of technology scouting and/or in- and out-licensing experience or other relevant experience in a commercial environment (i.e. life science research tools companies)
- Established experience working for a mid- to large-sized life science company
- Command of complex IP concepts including patents, materials, trademarks
- Financial acumen and ability to build and defend financial analyses and business cases including DCFs for both consumables and digital assets
- Demonstrated ability to identify new life science technologies and secure life science licensing and partnership opportunities
- Proficiency in negotiating and drafting licensing agreements, contracts, and other legal documents, specifically in the context of life sciences valuing >$5M NPV.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills for negotiation, relationship building, and engagement with senior life science stakeholders
- High EQ and ability to influence across all levels in a multinational matrix organization
- Flexibility to work in a complex, globally dispersed matrixed organisation with strong starter and finisher attitude
Preferred qualifications and experience:
- PhD in the life sciences
- Solid strategic experience within a life sciences, biotech or pharmaceutical company with a proven business development track record
- Proven direct line management experience
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Business Development and Licensing Associate Director employer: Merck Gruppe
Contact Detail:
Merck Gruppe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development and Licensing Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the life sciences community. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to meet potential collaborators and partners. Building relationships with key players in academia and early-stage companies can give you an edge in identifying novel technologies.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in life sciences and technology scouting. Subscribe to relevant journals, follow industry news, and engage with thought leaders on social media. This knowledge will help you assess potential external partners more effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Develop strong negotiation skills by practicing with peers or through role-playing scenarios. Understanding how to navigate complex licensing agreements is crucial for this role, so being well-prepared will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as 3D cell culture and organoids. Having a deep understanding of these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development and Licensing Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in technology scouting, licensing, and collaboration within the life sciences sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to identify and evaluate novel technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in healthcare and life sciences. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in negotiating licensing agreements and collaborating across functions.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since outstanding communication is key for this role, consider including examples of successful negotiations or collaborations in your application. Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
Highlight Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your financial analysis skills by mentioning any experience you have with building business cases or conducting market assessments. This will show your capability to contribute strategically to the company’s objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merck Gruppe
✨Showcase Your Technology Scouting Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in identifying and evaluating novel technologies. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully scouted technologies from academia or startups, and how those discoveries contributed to R&D efforts.
✨Demonstrate Licensing Expertise
Since the role involves negotiating and executing licensing agreements, come ready to share your experiences with drafting and negotiating contracts. Discuss any complex IP concepts you’ve navigated and how you ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires collaboration across various teams. Prepare to talk about your experience working with R&D, marketing, legal, and finance teams. Provide examples of how you aligned external innovation efforts with strategic objectives.
✨Prepare for Market Analysis Discussions
Expect questions about market analysis and opportunity assessments. Be ready to discuss emerging trends you've identified in the life sciences sector and how you've provided strategic insights to senior leadership based on your findings.
