Project Overview

SMART CAMP (Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine) is an interdisciplinary research programme in Singapore (CREATE international research campus and innovation hub) and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). SMART CAMP addresses key technology bottlenecks in cell therapy manufacturing: (i) critical quality attributes (CQA) of safe, effective cell therapy products; and (ii) integrated process analytics to monitor and modulate those attributes. Our efforts are focused on allogeneic and autologous cell therapy products, including but not limited to cell sources including adult stem/progenitor cells and immune cells for treatment of specific cancers, tissue degeneration, and autoimmune diseases.

We are seeking a proactive and relationship-oriented Business Development Manager (BDM) to drive external engagement and partnership development for our publicly funded research program. This role will support innovations in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapy manufacturing, advanced cell therapy platforms, and related translational life sciences technologies across several affiliated research and academic medicine institutions.

The BDM will serve as the primary outward-facing representative to industry partners, biotechnology companies, CDMOs, hospitals, clinical groups and investors with interests in cell therapy manufacturing, clinical-grade iPSCs, analytics, QC/QA technologies, processes, and relevant enabling platforms.

This role is critical for building strategic relationships, facilitating industrial collaborations, supporting adoption, licensing and co-development opportunities, and accelerating the translation of research outputs into impactful therapies and technologies. Be part of a mission-driven, publicly funded ecosystem enabling impactful scientific and clinical advancements in cell-based therapies.

Responsibilities

External Engagement & Relationship Building

•            Identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with biotechnology companies, pharma, CDMOs, hospitals, clinical centers, and investors active in iPSC manufacturing technologies and process, and cell therapy development platforms.

•            Interact and work with government agencies and partnership offices to leverage expertise and resources for translational efforts and elevate research programme as a collaborative technology enabler.

•            Participate in industry meetings, conferences, partnering events, and site visits.

•            Serve as the first point of contact for external stakeholders seeking collaboration, technology access, or partnership opportunities.

•            Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends in cell therapy manufacturing, regenerative medicine, iPSC platforms, and translational biotech.

Collaboration Development & Facilitation

•            Coordinate introductory and follow-up meetings between external partners and internal research teams.

•            Work with researchers (PIs and technical staff) to understand project needs, capabilities, and potential joint-development opportunities.

•            Support the formation of multi-party collaborations (e.g., hospital–industry–academic partnerships) including preparing briefing materials, meeting agendas, and partnership proposals.

•            Track and support progress of ongoing collaborations, ensuring alignment with milestones and stakeholder expectations.

Technology Translation & Commercial Pathway Support

•            Assist in mapping research outputs to potential industry use-cases, clinical applications, or manufacturing needs.

•            Work with technology transfer/licensing offices to support pathways for IP licensing, co-development agreements, sponsored research, feasibility studies, or platform adoption.

•            Support preparation of non-confidential technology summaries and market-facing materials related to cell manufacturing and translational innovation.

Coordination & Reporting

•            Prepare regular reports and presentations for internal leadership on engagement activities, partnership pipelines, and emerging opportunities. Ad hoc presentations can be included.

•            Maintain CRM/engagement databases, partner contact lists, and collaboration status trackers.

•            Liaise across multiple research institutions to align outreach efforts, update stakeholders, and coordinate shared initiatives.

Requirements

•            Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Business with biotech exposure, or related disciplines).

•            Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

•            Demonstrated interest in cell therapy, iPSC technology, regenerative medicine, manufacturing, or related domains.

•            Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate meetings or projects across institutions.

•            Organized, proactive, and comfortable representing the institution to external partners.

•            Experience in a business development, partnerships, alliance management, or industry-facing role within biotech, pharma, healthcare, or research organizations.

Key Competencies

•            Relationship-building and stakeholder management

•            Communication and presentation skills

•            Coordination and cross-functional collaboration

•            Strategic thinking and opportunity mapping

•            Professionalism, initiative, and comfort in outward-facing roles

This is a 2-year renewable full-time contract position. 

Further information, both on logistic and scientific issues, can be available by contacting the following faculty members. Prof. Jongyoon Han (EECS / BE, MIT) jyhan@mit.edu

Interested applicants are invited to send in their full CV/resume, cover letter and list of three references (to include reference names and contact information). We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified