Business Development Director, CDx and Pharma Services

Business Development Director, CDx and Pharma Services
intoDNA is a precision medicine company pioneering functional biomarkers that enable direct measurement of DNA damage and DNA repair pathway activity. Through its proprietary STRIDE platform, the company provides ultra-sensitive, in situ detection and quantification of DNA damage response biology, delivering functional insight that cannot be inferred from genomic sequencing alone.

The STRIDE ® platform supports biopharma research and translational development today, while advancing toward future diagnostic and companion diagnostic applications. As part of its platform expansion, intoDNA is developing dSTRIDE™-HR, a functional homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) assay designed to directly measure DNA repair pathway activity within tumor tissue. By delivering decision‑grade functional biomarkers that improve patient stratification, reduce development risk, and accelerate timelines, intoDNA enables more efficient drug development and more precise clinical care.

Recognized as the 2025 “Overall Genomics Innovation of the Year” by BioTech Breakthrough and a 2025 Supplier Recognition Award winner from Scientist.com, intoDNA is growing its commercial team to accelerate its presence with East Coast biopharma and biotech customers.

The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join an innovative, early‑stage precision medicine company at the intersection of DNA damage biology and companion diagnostics, and to have real commercial impact shaping how STRIDE ® becomes the standard for functional biomarker measurement in oncology drug development and CDx.

As Business Development Director for the East Coast, you will own the full commercial cycle, from prospecting to close, across pharma, biotech, and academic partners. You will bring deep expertise in contracting clinical trial biomarker services and companion diagnostic deals, with a working knowledge of tissue‑based assay modalities (IHC, PCR, or NGS). You will be the primary commercial face of intoDNA to East Coast accounts and will work closely with the CBO, science team, clinical operations, and legal/finance to structure deals that advance STRIDE ® platform adoption.

Location

Own and grow the East Coast pipeline: identify, qualify, and close deals across pharma services, clinical trial biomarker studies, and CDx partnerships.

Lead commercial negotiations on MSAs, SOWs, sponsored research agreements, and CDx feasibility and development agreements.

Structure multi‑year, multi‑study framework agreements with mid‑to‑large pharma and biotech accounts.

Manage the full sales cycle: first contact through contract execution and initial account handover to operations.

Maintain accurate pipeline records, forecasts, and account documentation in the CRM system.

COMPANION DIAGNOSTICS (CDx) & CLINICAL PARTNERSHIPS

Identify and develop CDx co‑development opportunities with pharma partners seeking functional HRD, replication stress or DDR biomarker solutions.

Engage with translational medicine, precision medicine, and CDx teams at target accounts to position STRIDE® functional phenomics assays as differentiated alternatives to IHC, PCR, and NGS‑based approaches.

Navigate the CDx deal structure, from early feasibility to sponsored development, in alignment with intoDNA’s regulatory and scientific roadmap.

Build relationships with clinical development and translational biomarker teams at biotech and pharma accounts sponsoring oncology clinical trials on the East Coast.

ACCOUNT & TERRITORY MANAGEMENT

Build and sustain long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers: translational oncology, clinical biomarkers, precision medicine, and CDx functions within pharma and biotech.

Represent intoDNA at East Coast and national conferences, scientific symposia, and partner events.

Collaborate with inside sales and scientific consultants to ensure seamless customer experience from proposal through study delivery.

Provide market intelligence back to the CBO and leadership team on CDx trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging customer needs.

PROPOSALS, CONTRACTS & COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

Prepare and deliver compelling proposals, quotes, and technical presentations tailored to the customer’s program needs.

Work cross‑functionally with legal, finance, and lab operations to align on scope, pricing, and delivery terms.

Ensure all commercial activities comply with intoDNA’s business systems, data handling policies, and internal reporting requirements.

Participate in marketing activities, conference strategy, and sales collateral development as needed.

Requirements
Must haves

BSc or MSc in Life Sciences (biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field); PhD a plus.

Minimum 7–10 years of experience in pharma/biotech commercial roles, with at least 5 years in business development or sales of laboratory services, CRO services, or biomarker/diagnostics solutions.

Demonstrated track record of contracting clinical trial biomarker services, including SOW and MSA negotiation with pharma and biotech sponsors.

Hands‑on experience structuring and closing CDx deals, including co‑development or sponsored development agreements.

Working knowledge of at least one tissue‑based assay modality: IHC (immunohistochemistry/tissue pathology), PCR, or NGS, sufficient to engage credibly with translational and CDx teams.

Familiarity with the oncology drug development pipeline and the role of companion diagnostics and predictive biomarkers in clinical trial design.

Established network of contacts within East Coast pharma and biotech, particularly in clinical development, translational medicine, or precision oncology.

Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken); comfortable presenting to senior scientific and commercial audiences.

Target‑focused, with the entrepreneurial drive and accountability to operate effectively in an early‑stage company environment.

Willingness to travel within the East Coast territory and nationally for conferences and key account meetings.

Nice to haves

PhD in Life Sciences, preferably in oncology, molecular biology, or related field.

Prior experience selling or partnering in DNA damage response (DDR), HRD, genomic instability, or DNA repair biology.

Experience with companion diagnostic regulatory pathways (PMA, 510(k)) and FDA CDx co‑submission frameworks.

Existing relationships with translational oncology or CDx teams at Boston/Cambridge, New York, or New Jersey‑area pharma/biotech accounts.

Prior experience in a pre‑commercial or Series A/B stage biotech; comfort with ambiguity and an ability to build processes as you go.

What you can expect

A meaningful role at the forefront of precision oncology with real impact on how DNA damage biology reaches the clinic.

Competitive compensation package: base salary + performance bonus tied to deal and revenue targets.

Equity participation through the Employee Stock Option Plan.

Flexible, remote‑first work approach with the expectation of regular East Coast travel.

Collaborative, mission‑driven team environment with direct access to scientific founders and leadership.

Opportunity to shape the CDx commercial strategy and grow with the company as it scales.

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