View Vacancy - Business Development Associate – Life Sciences

Applications are invited for the position of Business Development Associate – Life Sciences with the UK Trade & Investment team based within the British Consulate in San Francisco, California. We seek a conscientious and self-motivated team member to contribute to a busy team-working environment in a high-output office.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government’s international trade promotion and economic development agency, which works closely with UKTI London and the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to drive foreign investment into the UK, and to support British companies interested in doing business in the US (www.uktradeinvestusa.com).

The Business Development Associate will support one Trade & Investment Officer and work as part of a team responsible for Life Sciences, with a US-wide responsibility for trade and investment work in the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, and Medical Device sectors. The focus will be to research and identify projects with innovative companies throughout the Pacific Northwest looking for R&D and expansion opportunities in the UK. This is an entry-level position with strong potential for advancement within the organisation and building a broad life sciences network.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proactively research, segment and target companies throughout the Pacific Northwest to identify those looking to set up or expand in the UK, and support US companies already active in the UK market;
• Set meetings, manage logistics, co-ordinate project management and assist in management of client relationships and projects;
• Assist with planning and execution of international trade missions, panel discussions, receptions and other events to promote the UK's Life Sciences market;
• Co-ordinate as necessary with UKTI's internal network and stakeholders;
• Help gather and analyse information on both the North American and UK biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare/medical device industries;
• Assist in the development of a wide range of high-level contact within the industry, including academia, federal /state/private research organisations, and state biotech groups;
• Attend local industry seminars and conferences to report on developments potentially impacting the UK.

• Proactive and sales oriented;
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a life sciences field;
• 1-3 years professional experience, preferably in a life sciences field;
• Experienced researcher with excellent analytical skills, quality report writing, and able to clearly articulate points in written and spoken English;
• A passion for attention to detail is essential to success in this position;
• Demonstrable ability to provide clear, concise summaries of complex information and integrate data gathered from a variety of sources;
• Understanding of international trade and knowledge of UK and US domestic / foreign affairs is desirable;
• A self-starter able to work on own initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider US/UK team (with wide-ranging objectives);
• Excellence in Microsoft Office Suite and web research tools is essential;
• Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications and Client Relationship Management (CRM) software applications;
• Driving license and ability to undertake air travel including overnight stays.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.