Strategic Alliance Director

About Topia Life Sciences Limited Topia Life Sciences Limited, headquartered in London, is an innovation-driven TechBio company established in 2021. We specialize in accelerating drug discovery through advanced AI technologies, scientific expertise, and strategic collaborations. At the heart of our operations is SMAG (Smart Molecule Generation) —a proprietary AI platform that integrates data analytics, molecular simulation, and AI-driven modeling to streamline drug design, repurposing, toxicity prediction, and optimization of therapeutic candidates. With a growing pipeline of over 20 products and services across drug discovery platforms, our mission is to transform healthcare by reducing development timelines and improving therapeutic precision. We foster a collaborative culture and actively pursue strategic alliances to amplify our global impact in biotech and pharma. Position Overview We are seeking a Strategic Alliance Director on a part-time basis (initially 2–3 days per week, with potential to scale as commercial activities grow). This role is critical in driving partnerships and licensing initiatives for our SMAG AI Platform and therapeutic pipeline. The successful candidate will lead efforts to identify, negotiate, and execute strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic institutions, and investors to enable commercialization, co-development, and licensing opportunities. This UK-based position reports directly to the CEO. Key Responsibilities Partnership Development: Identify and assess potential partners—including major pharma, startups, and research institutions—for licensing or co-development of the SMAG AI Platform and therapeutic assets (e.g., AI-optimized molecules for drug repurposing, ADMET modeling, and novel therapeutics). Deal Management: Lead negotiations for licensing agreements, joint ventures, co-marketing deals, and technology transfers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and IP protection. Market Analysis & Strategy: Conduct market research on biotech trends and competitive landscapes; develop strategies to position Topia as a leader in AI-driven drug discovery partnerships. Relationship Building: Establish and maintain high-level relationships with key stakeholders; represent Topia at industry events and leverage networks to facilitate deals. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, legal, finance, and commercial teams to structure deals, assess risks, and ensure smooth execution. Performance Tracking: Monitor alliance progress, track milestones, and report on deal performance, revenue potential, and strategic outcomes to senior leadership. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all partnering activities adhere to UK and international regulations, including GDPR, IP laws, and ethical standards in biotech. Qualifications & Skills Experience: 10+ years in business development, strategic alliances, or licensing within life sciences, biotech, or pharma; proven success in closing high-value deals involving AI platforms, drug discovery, or therapeutics. Education: Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or equivalent) in business, life sciences, or related field; technical knowledge of AI in drug discovery (e.g., molecular modeling, predictive analytics) is highly desirable. Skills: Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills; familiarity with licensing structures, term sheets, and valuation models; ability to work independently in a part-time capacity. Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker with a strong network in the UK/EU biotech ecosystem; proactive, results-driven, and adaptable to a fast-paced startup environment. Preferred: Experience with AI-driven platforms like SMAG or similar tools; UK-based with eligibility to work in the UK. What We Offer Competitive part-time compensation, including salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity options. Flexible working hours. Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking AI innovations in healthcare. Collaborative culture with access to a global network of experts. Professional development and involvement in high-impact projects.