CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: Corporate Development Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Corporate Development Associate will support the commercialization of innovative research and technologies developed at Scripps Research. This individual will assist in identifying, assessing, and developing strategies to translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into marketable products and services. The role requires a blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and strategic thinking to help accelerate the commercialization process and foster industry collaborations that drive societal and economic impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Technology Scouting and Assessment

• Assist in evaluating new technologies and research innovations emerging from Scripps Research.
• Conduct market assessments to determine the commercial potential of technologies, including IP landscape analysis, competitive landscape, and potential market size.
• Work closely with innovators (faculty, researchers, and principal investigators) to understand the technical, commercial, and strategic value of their innovations.
• Support Scripps Research innovators regarding protection of intellectual property and technology commercialization matters.
• Build relationships across Scripps Research to raise awareness of technology commercialization, understand the research being conducted in relation to potential industry needs, and encourage utilization and commercialization of the research and resulting intellectual property.

Commercialization Strategy Development

• Support execution of tailored commercialization strategies for promising technologies, balancing scientific innovation with market feasibility.
• Identify and support appropriate licensing, partnership, and startup opportunities that align with the institute's goals.
• Support strategic marketing and negotiations as needed for licensing agreements and other partnerships with external industry partners.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management

• Assist with IP identification, protection, and portfolio management, working closely with the Office of Patent Counsel and the Legal team to ensure that the institute's innovations are properly protected.
• Provide input into patent strategy and filing decisions, ensuring alignment with market opportunities.

Industry and Academic Partnerships

• Support the development of relevant slide decks and reports, including market analyses, slide decks and confidential and non-confidential materials to support business development activities.
• Maintain relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and other external stakeholders to facilitate the transfer of technology and drive successful commercialization outcomes.
• Represent the institute at external events, conferences, and industry meetings to promote research and foster collaboration opportunities.

Reporting and Compliance

• Generate and maintain internal documentation and dashboards as intuitive and real-time progress report.
• Provide regular updates to OTD leadership on the progress of technology commercialization initiatives, including metrics on disclosures, portfolio, IP and associated financial outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards in the technology commercialization process.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, business, or related field (PhD required).
• The preferred candidate would have expertise in one or more of the following areas: Immunology, Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology.
• Minimum experience of 2 years in technology transfer, commercialization, or related roles, ideally in a research institute, university, or corporate setting.
• Proven experience in identifying, evaluating, and commercializing technologies.
• Strong knowledge of intellectual property law, licensing agreements, and patent strategy.
• Strong technical and analytical skills that are requisite for market sizing across therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, software space.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to assess market potential and develop commercialization plans.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to work across diverse therapeutic areas and modalities.
• A self-starter with a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Self-reliance and a positive attitude towards collaborative work.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for translating scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.
• Collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to influence and build strong relationships across various functions and with external partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable to a high-performing, matrixed environment.
• A multitasker that adapts to shifting priorities.
• Ability to take direction, remain detail-oriented and highly organized.
• High proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Global Data, Cortellis, and Canvas.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $103,700 to $126,100/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of TSRI, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of TSRI staff.

EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.