Science and Business Developer in Computational Biotechnology Company

Background of the position Acellera Labs is a Barcelona based company focused on developing and applying new technologies for the study of biophysical phenomena and drug discovery. Acelleras mission is to accelerate the transition to computerized drug discovery. For the past years, Acellera’s R&D programme has focused on developing software and hardware solutions that optimize the efficiency and throughput of molecular dynamics simulations. Our first innovation, ACEMD, demonstrated accelerator processors (GPUs) as an entry to high efficiency computing for MD simulations, and furnished personal workstations with cluster-computer levels of performance. Currently the company is actively developing computational medicinal chemistry tools based on its high-throughput molecular dynamics (HTMD) platform.   Acellera is implementing a growth strategy, focusing on the main market for its products and services: Europe and North America. Additionally, Acellera plans to expand its value offering with high-value services based around the developed software. With the addition of this position, the company expects to grow its market substantially over the next years.   Available position To pioneer the development of Acellera’s mission, the company is seeking an ambitious person with proven background in computational medicinal chemistry and biophysics. By gaining a deep understanding of Acellera’s software and know-how, the candidate will be responsible for developing new and existing customers devising solutions for drug discovery and medicinal chemistry applications to meet pre-defined targets, reporting directly to the founders of the company. It is therefore an opportunity to drive substantial growth in cutting-edge computational chemistry software solutions that are set to disrupt drug development, enabling long-term involvement.   The candidate will be responsible for product evangelization, prospect identification, client network building, sales contact outreach, attending and presenting Acellera’s innovations at scientific conferences worldwide, engaging with clients at conferences, fairs and other events mainly in Europe and USA, lead & account management, deal negotiation and closure.   The candidate will furthermore be responsible for overall product/market strategy and internal coordination of business activities working with the founders to improve Acellera’s products and services offering, both in terms of the presentation to clients and the way in which software and services are provided, with the aim to grow the company’s business.   Complementarily to these responsibilities described above, the candidate will scout, identify and reach potential partners to further help developing the company’s R&D, as well as develop R&D project proposals together with scientific colleagues at Acellera for publicly-funded programmes (e.g. H2020) and internal projects with leading pharmaceutical organizations.   Candidate profile The BD should have a strong hands-on, proactive entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for working in a fast-paced start-up environment and an ability to deal with uncertainty. Acellera is looking for a highly self-motivated individual who will take ownership of scientific and business development strategy and its implementation. Required: Proven background in computational medicinal chemistry and biology or related fields combined with business experience, or vice-versa (e.g. MSc or PhD in - applied / computational - chemistry, physics or biology or business degree with work experience in a scientific field). Strong dealmaker attitude with persuasive powers who enjoys selling, especially complex technology- and consultancy-based offerings. Well-developed interpersonal skills with empathy to interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (disciplines, management levels, cultures). Business acumen / ability to grasp the essentials of a wide variety of disciplines such as marketing, sales, R&D, product management, brand management, patent issues, contractual issues, etc. Fluent in English and good presentation skills Enjoys domestic and international travel to attend scientific conferences and visit sites Valued positively: Previous work experience in (computational) drug development in pharmaceutical and/or and biotechnology industry. Track record as entrepreneur with the motivation and determination to grow and lead a business. Demonstrated background with molecular simulations. Expected dedication/workload The ideal candidate is expected to join Acellera with a full-time position. However, a part-time position could be also considered. Location The ideal candidate will reside in Barcelona. However very qualified candidates elsewhere in Spain or abroad will be considered as well Compensation Acellera can offer an attractive starting salary to be negotiated based on level of experience and ability to develop business, with an appealing baseline (but not competitive with, for example, salaries of MBA graduates outside of Spain) combined with a variable component based on turnover achieved for the company. The BD’s overall earning potential will thus be attractive, but strongly related to his/her ability to make sales. Next Steps Interested candidates should send a curriculum with accompanying letter to jobs@acellera.com. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Any additional questions about this position can be sent to the aforementioned e-mail address indicating e-mail and telephone contact information.-