Business Development Associate - Government Contracts & Grants

Location: In-Person
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Entry to Mid-level
Education: Master's or PhD required

About DNA Medicine Institute

DNA Medicine Institute (DMI) is a pioneering medical device company developing breakthrough point-of-care diagnostic technologies. We're also actively engaged in defense contracting through the MDA SHIELD IDIQ program and advancing innovative solutions that transform our nation's defense.

Position Overview

We're seeking a dynamic Business Development Associate with advanced scientific training to drive our growth in government markets. This role combines grant writing, contract development, and strategic sales focused on federal agencies, defense contractors, and government-funded healthcare initiatives. You'll work directly with our executive team to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and manage key government relationships.

Key Responsibilities Grant & Funding Development (40%)

• Identify and pursue Grant and contract opportunities across NIH, NSF, DOD, and other federal agencies
• Lead grant writing efforts from opportunity assessment through submission and award management
• Develop partnerships with academic institutions and research organizations for collaborative proposals
• Manage grant lifecycle including reporting, compliance, and renewal applications

Government Contracting (35%)

• Navigate federal procurement processes including SAM registration, DFARS compliance, and contract vehicles
• Develop responses to RFPs, RFIs, and BAAs from federal agencies and prime contractors
• Support contract negotiations and ensure regulatory compliance (ITAR, DFARS, etc.)
• Maintain relationships with contracting officers and program managers

Business Development (25%)

• Identify strategic opportunities in government healthcare markets (VA, DOD, DHS, etc.)
• Build partnerships with systems integrators, primes, and channel partners
• Represent DMI at conferences, trade shows, and government industry days
• Conduct market research on competitive landscape and emerging opportunities
• Manage GSA products on eBuy and GSA Advantage

Required Qualifications Education & Experience

• Master's or PhD in life sciences, engineering, or related technical field
• 2-5 years experience in grant writing, government contracting, or federal sales
• Proven track record of successful grant submissions (training, foundation grants)

Technical Skills

• Expert grant writing abilities with experience in federal proposal formats
• Federal contracting knowledge including procurement regulations and compliance
• Financial modeling and proposal budgeting capabilities
• CRM proficiency (HubSpot preferred) and advanced MS Office skills

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with ability to work independently in a startup environment
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Detail-oriented with strong project management capabilities
• Security clearance eligible (U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident)

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field (biomedical engineering, chemistry, biology, etc.)
• Previous experience with NIH, DOD, or NSF grant programs
• Background in biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, chemistry
• Federal sales experience with government agencies or defense contractors
• Existing relationships with program officers or contracting personnel
• Military or government background

What We Offer Compensation Package

• Base Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 based on experience
• Performance Bonus: Up to $12,500 annually based on objectives
• Aggressive Merit Increases: Annual raises for strong performance
• Fast-Track Promotion: BD Manager role ($100-120K) possible at 18-24 months

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health Insurance: Shared coverage for employee and family
• Retirement: 3% 401(k) match with immediate vesting
• Time Off: PTO available

Growth Opportunities

• Direct access to executive leadership and strategic decision-making
• Ownership of high-impact projects with measurable business outcomes
• Professional development support for relevant certifications and training
• Conference participation at major industry and government events
• Career advancement opportunities as the company scales

Target Background Profiles Recent PhD Graduates

• Transitioning from academia to industry
• Strong research and writing background
• Interest in commercial applications of technology
• Seeking dynamic startup environment

Government Professionals

• NIH, FDA, DOD, or agency program experience
• Understanding of federal funding landscape
• Established relationships in target markets
• Ready for private sector transition

Military Officers

• STEM background with transition timeline
• Program management and procurement experience
• Leadership and project management skills

Application ProcessTo Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: careers@dnamedinstitute.com

Writing Sample Requirements:

• Grant proposal excerpt (2-3 pages) OR
• Federal proposal section OR
• Technical white paper OR
• Published research paper (as first author)

What to Include in Cover Letter:

• Specific grant/contract successes with dollar amounts
• Government agency relationships or experience
• Interest in medical device/diagnostics industry
• Availability and timeline for starting

Why Join DMI?

• Innovation Focus: Work on cutting-edge medical technologies that save lives
• Government Impact: Support defense and federal healthcare initiatives
• Growth Trajectory: Join an expanding company with established contracts and clear market opportunities
• Professional Development: Rapid skill building in a diverse, high-responsibility role
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to technologies that improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency

DNA Medicine Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position may require occasional travel (15-20%) for conferences, customer meetings, and government site visits.

Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: Immediate
Reporting Relationship: Reports to President

For questions about this opportunity, contact: careers@dnamedinstitute.com

Pay: $75,000.00 - $97,851.84 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person