Head of Partnerships

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Approximate compensation: $150,000 to $175,000; we may make exceptions for outstanding candidates
• Visa sponsorship: Considered for exceptional candidates
• Work location: Cambridge, MA or Washington, DC
• Reports to: NAO Director

The role

The Nucleic Acid Observatory is building a pathogen-agnostic early warning system to protect the world from catastrophic pandemics. A project of the research non-profit SecureBio, our mission is to ensure that, as advances in biotechnology lower the barriers to engineering pathogens, humanity is prepared. We\’re developing systems to identify novel threats early enough to mount an effective response, even ones spreading without obvious symptoms.

We\’ve developed the core technology for this system and are looking to hire a Head of Partnerships to help us deploy our technology by securing funding and collaborations to build a comprehensive biosurveillance network. This role will focus on winning governmental and commercial contracts while expanding our sample collection network and building strategic partnerships across the biosurveillance ecosystem. Reporting to the NAO Director, you will build and lead the partnerships program, with the opportunity to grow and manage a team as the NAO scales.We\’re willing to consider candidates based in, or willing to relocate to, either DC or Boston. In both cases we expect frequent travel between the two cities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy across three key areas: funding, sample acquisition, and scientific collaboration.

Secure government contracts, grants, or other forms of funding for sequencing and analysis services, with a focus on US Government agencies, including DoD, DHS, BARDA, and CDC.

Identify and onboard new sample streams from wastewater facilities, clinical labs, airports, and other strategic locations.

Build partnerships with organizations working on complementary biosecurity and pathogen detection efforts.

Collaborate with technical teams to ensure partner needs align with NAO\’s capabilities and vice versa.

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and public health sectors.

Coordinate with research institutions and other biosecurity organizations to avoid duplication and maximize collective impact.

Represent NAO at conferences, meetings, and other forums to advance all partnership opportunities.

Manage existing partnerships across all categories and ensure successful delivery of commitments.

As the NAO grows, hire and manage additional partnerships and business development staff.

Required:

Demonstrated ability to initiate, manage, and secure resources for complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage diverse audiences from agency directors to research scientists and government technical staff.

Strategic thinking skills with ability to identify and pursue high-value partnership opportunities.

Strong network within US Government agencies.

Preferred

5+ years of experience working with government through public service, government contracting, or lobbying.

Proven track record in securing government contracts and/or grants, developing operational partnerships, or building scientific collaborations.

Experience with federal procurement processes and grant mechanisms.

Strong experience with business development in industry and/or coordinating academic collaborations.

Strong understanding of the biosecurity and biosurveillance landscape.

Familiarity with metagenomic sequencing, wastewater surveillance, or pathogen detection.

Experience building and leading small teams.

Salary and benefits

Our employee benefits reflect our belief in investing to build the strongest possible team, in which everyone receives the trust and support they need to excel. Our benefits package includes:

Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including health, dental & vision insurance, as well as a yearly mental health allowance for every employee.

Flexible work hours; unlimited paid time off (PTO) for all employees; and minimum 12 weeks fully-paid parental leave.

World-class office

An exceptional working environment in our Kendall Square office, including high-quality ergonomic office equipment, snacks, and daily catered lunches.

Generous professional development opportunities, including fully-paid conference sponsorships and a yearly development allowance for every employee.

401(k)

Employer 401(k) match up to 4% of total salary.

Relocation & commuter support

Free commuter benefits, plus a generous relocation allowance for employees who move to the Boston area

About SecureBio

In joining SecureBio, you\’ll be joining a motivated, mission-driven, and international team of professionals dedicated to protecting the world from biological threats. Through in-house research & development, as well as collaborations with experts in academia, industry & government, we are working to build the tools, technologies, and institutions the world needs to be secure against future biotechnology,

We will review applications on a rolling basis, and are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

After considering your written application, we may invite you to a short screening interview. High-performing candidates may be invited to further interviews and/or paid trial tasks. We will also require up to two reference checks.

We\’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, and we encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. We especially encourage applications from women, gender minorities, and people of color who are excited about contributing to our mission, and are happy to consider applicants from overseas. We\’re an equal opportunity employer.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any other questions about applying, please contact .

Referral bonus

We offer a referral bonus of up to $6,000 to individuals who refer successful candidates for this position:

If you refer a candidate that we invite on site, you will receive $500;

If the candidate accepts a job offer, you will receive a further $2,500, for a total of $3,000;

If the candidate is still working with us after the three months from their start date, you will receive a further $3,000, for a total of $6,000.

To receive these bonuses, we must reasonably believe that you were responsible for referring the candidate to us (e.g. due to you introducing them to us when we didn\’t previously know them, or them mentioning you on their application as the reason they heard about the position).