Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation

The role

The Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation will identify, evaluate, and advance external business development opportunities to strengthen the R&D pipeline. This role involves partnering cross-functionally to assess licensing, collaboration, and M&A opportunities.

What you will do

• Proactively identify external programs, platforms, and technologies aligned with company strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships across biotech, academia, venture capital, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to contribute to scientific and strategic assessments of external opportunities.
• Synthesize complex scientific and business information into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Partner with cross-functional diligence teams to identify key risks and value drivers.
• Conduct landscape analyses and thematic searches to identify emerging science and therapeutic areas.
• Partner with Business Development, Finance, and Legal on valuation, deal structure, negotiations, and transaction execution.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, partnering meetings, and other industry forums.
• Mentor junior team members by providing coaching, scientific guidance, and support for professional growth.

Required qualifications

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced scientific/medical degree
• 6–10+ years of relevant industry experience in biotech/pharma
• Strong understanding of disease biology, drug development, and interpretation of preclinical and clinical data
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate opportunities and make recommendations under scientific and commercial uncertainty
• Experience leading cross-functional diligence or strategic projects
• Excellent analytical, communication, and influencing skills
• Robust external network and demonstrated ability to build relationships across the biotech ecosystem

Nice to have

• Experience spanning Search & Evaluation, Business Development, R&D strategy, drug development, or venture investment

Benefits

• Comprehensive and generous benefits and programs

About the company

Lakefront Biotherapeutics is a global biotech focused on building a differentiated immunology and inflammation pipeline. The company operates with small, empowered teams to move programs forward efficiently.