Director, Corporate Business Development (Infectious Disease)
At a glance
Director-level Business Development role at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Oxford · full-time.
Pay not stated
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Set the partnership direction across infectious disease, clinical diagnostics, public health, surveillance, and applied markets
- Find and rank potential collaborators such as diagnostics developers, assay providers, and public health organisations
- Build commercial cases and financial models, then structure and negotiate collaborations that support nanopore sequencing adoption
- Coordinate Commercial, Marketing, Product, Applications, Finance, and Legal teams from initial concept through signed agreement
- Own partnership projects, pipeline tracking, internal approvals, and continued improvements to partnering practices
What you bring
- A proven background in business development, partnerships, or corporate strategy across life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, or related fields
- Strong capability to design, negotiate, and complete complex commercial agreements
- Commercial and financial strength, including the ability to create business cases and financial models
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and delivering through cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
Who this fits
This suits a strategic, commercially focused business development leader who can switch between long-range partnership planning and hands-on execution. Infectious disease markets, clinical diagnostics, or applied genomics experience would be highly advantageous. The role is based in Oxford on a hybrid basis and includes responsibility for supporting the business development team as it develops.
From the employer
Director, Corporate Business Development (Infectious Disease)
Oxford (Hybrid)
About Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is a pioneering force in genomics, transforming how biological information is analysed and understood. Our technology enables real-time, scalable DNA and RNA sequencing, empowering researchers, clinicians, and organisations across the world to unlock insights that improve human health, environmental sustainability, and scientific discovery.
We are a purpose-driven, fast-growing organisation at the forefront of innovation, and our people are central to our mission. As we continue to expand into new clinical and applied markets, we are building strategic partnerships that accelerate the adoption of our technology globally.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Director of Corporate Business Development (Infectious Disease) to play a key role in shaping ONT’s growth across clinical diagnostics, public health, and applied infectious disease markets.
This is a highly strategic and externally facing role, focused on building and leading partnerships that enable the development and commercialisation of nanopore sequencing applications. You will work at the intersection of science, business, and innovation — identifying opportunities, structuring deals, and bringing partnerships to life that deliver long-term value.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will lead business development activity within the Infectious Disease segment, driving partnerships that expand ONT’s presence and impact across key markets.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define and execute partnership strategy across infectious disease markets, including clinical diagnostics, public health, surveillance, and applied sectors
- Identify and prioritise strategic partners (e.g. diagnostics developers, assay providers, public health organisations)
- Structure and negotiate commercial partnerships and collaborations that accelerate adoption of nanopore sequencing
- Build compelling business cases and financial models to support new opportunities
- Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Marketing, Product, Applications, Finance, and Legal teams to bring deals from concept through to execution
- Lead or support negotiations, from term sheet through to final agreements
- Act as a project lead for partnership development, ensuring alignment, delivery, and internal approvals
- Develop a deep understanding of market dynamics, use cases, and commercial models in infectious disease
- Maintain visibility of the partnership pipeline, tracking opportunities and progress
- Contribute to and uphold best practices in business development and partnering frameworks
- Support the growth and development of the business development team over time
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a strategic, commercially minded individual with a strong track record in building partnerships within life sciences, diagnostics, or healthcare.
You will bring:
- Proven experience in business development, partnerships, or corporate strategy within life sciences, biotech, diagnostics, or related sectors
- Strong understanding of infectious disease markets, clinical diagnostics, or applied genomics (highly advantageous)
- Demonstrated ability to structure, negotiate, and execute complex deals
- Excellent financial and commercial acumen, including building business cases and models
- Experience working across cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and impact
Why Join ONT?
- Be part of a company transforming genomics and global healthcare
- Work on high-impact partnerships that shape the future of infectious disease diagnostics and surveillance
- Collaborate with world-class scientists, commercial leaders, and innovators
- Join a purpose-led, fast-paced environment with real opportunity to influence growth
Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.
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