Business Development Consultant for GEM Cell and Gene Therapy Services

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is requesting proposals for a business development consultant to support its GMP Engineering and Cell Manufacturing Facility (GEM), an academic CDMO, with proposals due July 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and questions due July 8, 2026. The engagement is performance-based; no incumbent exists.

The consultant will develop a structured business development function to identify, qualify, and advance high-value opportunities in cell and gene therapy markets—including CAR T, TCR, armored cell therapies, viral vectors, nonviral delivery systems, plasmid services, analytical development, and early-phase CMC support. Deliverables include generating and qualifying leads, supporting client outreach, converting opportunities into funded projects, sponsored research agreements, master service agreements, statements of work, and strategic collaborations. The consultant will enhance GEM's market positioning and establish repeatable processes to convert opportunities into actionable engagements.

Minimum qualifications include business development experience in cell therapy, gene therapy, or CDMO services; an established network within biotech, pharma, or academic medical centers; understanding of the cell and gene therapy development lifecycle; experience identifying and advancing opportunities; ability to communicate with technical and executive stakeholders; CRM tool proficiency; and strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred qualifications include prior business development or commercial roles at cell and gene therapy CDMOs, experience selling CDMO services, familiarity with academic medical centers and NIH-funded programs, and existing relationships within the cell and gene therapy sector. Proposals must include a minimum of three references with at least one from a healthcare organization.

The initial contract term is three to six months with estimated effort of ten to twenty hours per week, with options to extend based on performance and business need. The engagement may be performed remotely with occasional travel for introductory calls, technical discussions, site visits, conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Compensation is structured on hourly rates and/or monthly retainer models with clearly identified assumptions, included versus excluded costs, and estimated total costs for the initial engagement. Evaluation weights forty percent to financials, twenty percent to relevant experience and qualifications, twenty percent to approach and methodology, ten percent to cell and gene therapy or CDMO market expertise, five percent to tools and reporting infrastructure, and five percent to references. Roswell Park retains the sole discretion to terminate for convenience upon thirty days' written notice. Bidders must complete Executive Order No. 16 certification regarding Russia business operations, a non-collusion affidavit, and confirm that required insurance coverage—including one million dollars commercial general liability, ten million dollars umbrella coverage, and five million dollars cyber liability—will be obtained upon award.