Head of Business Development & Strategy

Head of Business Development & Strategy

Oncology Diagnostics | Houston, TX | Full-Time, On-Site

Reports to: CEO, working directly with both co-founders
Travel: Occasional investor, partner and industry meetings

Application requirement: Email your CV or resume to apply@a18i.com to be considered.

We will only review applications from candidates who email their CV or resume directly to apply@a18i.com. Applications submitted through Indeed without an emailed CV or resume will not be considered

About the company

We are a stealth-stage oncology diagnostics company building a portfolio of blood- and urine-based tests for earlier cancer detection and better clinical decisions. We in-license promising assays from academic institutions, develop them into reliable laboratory tests, and generate the clinical and economic evidence needed for reimbursement and commercialization.

Confidentiality: Additional company and program details will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process, under NDA where appropriate.

The role

We are looking for a hands-on business development and strategy professional to work directly with the founders across partnerships, product assessment, fundraising, and company-building.

This is a broad, hands-on individual-contributor role. You will combine business judgment with scientific understanding, taking projects from research and analysis through external discussions and practical execution. Diagnostics expertise is preferred, but strong life-sciences or healthcare experience is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Strategy and business planning: Evaluate product opportunities, development priorities and commercialization options. Build business cases and financial scenarios that support founder decisions.
• Market and clinical analysis: Assess patient populations, competitors, clinical evidence and unmet needs. Translate scientific findings into clear commercial implications and recommendations.
• Partnerships and licensing: Identify potential partners and scientifically analyze academic assets, coordinate diligence, prepare proposals, and support licensing and collaboration discussions
• Fundraising support: Research investors, prepare presentations and diligence materials, coordinate outreach and follow-up, and help communicate the company’s investment case.
• Cross-functional execution: Work with scientific, clinical and reimbursement advisers to gather evidence, develop strategy documents and turn recommendations into actionable plans.
• Company-building: Own selected company-development projects, prepare board materials, and drive progress on strategic priorities and external commitments.

Required qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience in life-sciences consulting, pharma, biotech, healthcare investing, business development or a comparable strategic role.
• Working understanding of clinical development and the ability to interpret scientific publications and clinical-study findings.
• Strong analytical skills, including business-case development, Excel modeling and presentation preparation.
• Clear written and verbal communication, with confidence engaging senior leaders and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to own projects independently, manage competing priorities and produce the underlying analysis and materials yourself.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, healthcare, business or a related field, supported by relevant industry experience.
• Based in Houston or willing to relocate for full-time, on-site work.

Preferred experience

• Diagnostics, oncology, biomarkers or precision medicine.
• Fundraising, investment diligence, strategic partnerships or academic licensing.
• Working directly with founders or within an early-stage company.

Compensation and benefits

• Target annual base salary of approximately $140,000, depending on experience.
• Equity participation to be discussed.
• Health insurance and paid time off.
• Direct involvement in company strategy and opportunities for broader responsibility as the business grows.

How to apply

To be considered, applicants must email their CV or resume to apply@a18i.com

We will only review applications from candidates who email their CV or resume directly to apply@a18i.com. Applications submitted through Indeed without an emailed CV or resume will not be considered.

Work location: In person, Houston, TX 77005.

Pay: $130,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• life sciences, healthcare, business development, or strategy: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Houston, TX 77005: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $140,000