Level:Depending on experienceLocation:Hybrid with regular attendance at our offices in either Stevenage, UK or Dublin, Ireland. This roles requires periodic travel to attend meetings and conferences.Role SummaryThe Sr. Manager / Associate Director of Business Development & Strategy will play a critical role in supporting Aerska's business development, corporate strategy, and partnering efforts. Working closely with the Director, Head of Business Development, and collaborating cross-functionally with R&D, Legal, and Finance, this individual will support the identification, evaluation, and execution of transactions that strengthen Aerska's platform and pipeline.A core component of this role will be conducting in-depth research, competitive intelligence, and deal analysis — including landscape mapping, benchmarking, and market trend evaluation — to inform corporate decision-making and partnering strategy. This position requires a blend of analytical rigour, scientific curiosity, and strategic acumen to help Aerska make data-driven, well-informed business decisions.The ideal candidate will combine scientific literacy, commercial insight, and relationship-building skills to advance Aerska's mission of transforming the treatment of neurological diseases through innovative RNA and delivery technologies.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development; Transactions and LicensingSupport the execution of Aerska's business development initiatives, including partnerships, in- and out-licensing, collaborations, and acquisitions.Maintain active competitive intelligence, market analysis, and deal comp research to inform decision making and to identify opportunities aligned with Aerska's platform strategy and growth goals.Collaborate with R&D leadership to execute due diligence on prospective partners, targets, and technologies across RNAi, CNS delivery, and related areas.Develop valuation models, transaction summaries, and internal recommendation memos and slide decks that inform deal structuring and negotiation.Manage and maintain Aerska's CRM and BD pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking of all opportunities and engagements.Draft partnering decks, term sheets, and external-facing materials to support negotiation and execution.Represent Aerska at conferences and industry meetings, supporting the company's presence and partnership objectives.Corporate Strategy & Portfolio PlanningCollaborate with the Head of BD and R&D leadership, to evaluate new therapeutic areas, technologies, and strategic partnerships through evidence-based, data-driven analysis.Support portfolio and platform strategy discussions using insights from market trends, competitive intelligence, and scientific developments.Prepare business cases, strategic presentations, and materials for Board, investor, or leadership discussions.Contribute to Aerska's Irish and EU growth initiatives by supporting partnership development, academic collaborations, and grant-related activities.Qualifications & ExperienceDegree in Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology) or a related discipline.5+ years of experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical business development, corporate strategy, management consulting, venture capital.Demonstrated experience supporting or executing transactions, including collaborations, licensing (in- and out-), strategic partnerships, or M&A-related activities.Proven ability to conduct scientific, clinical, and commercial assessments of external assets or platforms, translating complex technical data into strategic insights.Strong experience in competitive intelligence, market landscaping, and deal benchmarking.Solid understanding of biopharma development pathways, value inflection points, and the strategic considerations influencing partnering decisions across discovery, preclinical, and clinical stages.Values and CultureAerska is a values-driven organisation, guided by the belief that "we live in each other's shelter"—reflecting our deep sense of interdependence and collaboration. Every member of the team is expected to embody our shared values:• Walk on Air: Pursue bold ideas with ambition.• Time is Neurons: Act with precision and urgency.• Win or Learn: Embrace curiosity and continuous improvement.• We Before Me: Collaborate with humility, openness and respect.Please note: We appreciate your interest in Aerska and look forward to reviewing your application. However, if we receive a high volume of applications, we will only be able to contact candidates selected for the next stage.Aerska is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.