Full-Time

Associate Director

Business Development

Updated on 8/7/2026

Lexitas

Lexitas

51-200 employees

Ophthalmology-focused CRO for clinical trials

Compensation Overview

$120k - $130k/yr

Remote in USA

Remote

Travel up to 50% is required.

Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

Category
Business & Strategy (1)
Required Skills
Microsoft Office
Market Research
Sales
Medical Terminology
CRM

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree is required; an MBA or other related advanced degree is preferred.
  • At least 5 years of increasing business-development responsibility in a Clinical Research Organization, with thorough knowledge of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, terminology, and practices.
  • Previous experience with long-cycle sales in the biopharmaceutical, medical-device, or Clinical Research Organization industry, with a demonstrated track record of national or global account sales.
  • Established client relationships with key national and global biopharmaceutical decision-makers.
  • A history of achieving and exceeding sales quota targets.
  • Proven relationships with mid- and high-level contacts at national and global biopharmaceutical companies.
  • Formal sales training such as SPIN Selling or Miller Heiman Strategic Selling.
  • Exceptional writing skills and diligent follow-up practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, and develop sales leads and deliver professional presentations.
  • Strong facilitation and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong business and financial acumen.
  • Proven leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to travel up to 50%.
  • Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including prolonged standing, walking, sitting, computer use, and handling light to medium weights of 10–35 pounds.
Responsibilities
  • Identify, pursue, and secure potential new business opportunities within an assigned territory, including new and existing customer accounts.
  • Network in the industry, virtually and in person, to establish and maintain relationships and identify potential new and expanded business opportunities.
  • Work with sales management and sales operations to identify, prioritize, and pursue target account opportunities within an assigned territory.
  • Collaborate with management to develop and implement an annual plan for targeted sales and marketing activities within an assigned territory.
  • Monitor and record the status of contacts, leads, and opportunities in the customer relationship management system to maintain the required pipeline of opportunities.
  • Pursue and achieve target sales and pipeline numbers for an assigned territory.
  • Coordinate with proposals and contracts teams to pursue and formalize customer engagements and lead new-business and growing-business activities internally and externally within the assigned territory.
  • Provide senior management with regular summaries of key deliverables and potential opportunities.
  • Recommend organizational investment opportunities based on market information gathered during sales activities, supporting new bookings, service improvements, and increased revenue.
  • Monitor current industry trends and business developments affecting target markets through desk research, conference attendance, and other activities when required.
  • Represent Lexitas at local, national, and international meetings related to public relations and future business development.
  • Participate in interviewing candidates, selecting personnel, and training them when necessary to support team and organizational goals.
Desired Qualifications
  • Ophthalmology experience.
  • An MBA or other related advanced degree.

Lexitas Pharma Services is a clinical research organization focused exclusively on ophthalmology, helping biopharmaceutical and medical device companies advance eye-related products through clinical trials. It provides end-to-end ophthalmic trial services from strategy and protocol design to execution, data management, and analysis. Its niche focus lets it tailor study designs, imaging endpoints, regulatory considerations, and trial operations specifically for eye conditions, unlike generic CROs. Its goal is to help clients bring ophthalmic therapies and devices to market faster with high-quality data to support regulatory approvals and market access.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Durham, North Carolina

Founded

2011

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 17, 2026 Octane partnership expands deal flow from startups and growth-stage founders.
  • May 19, 2026 Erie Retina acquisition deepens retina capabilities and adds Dr. David Almeida.
  • July 14, 2026 Ocusun first-patient enrollment shows Lexitas is winning new phase III work.

What critics are saying

  • Retina acquisition integration after May 19, 2026 can distract teams and delay studies.
  • Ocusun's cataract program depends on unproven ZOC2017217, risking sponsor disappointment by 2027.
  • QHP-owned niche CRO exposure is concentrated; one major sponsor failure hurts utilization fast.

What makes Lexitas unique

  • Lexitas focuses exclusively on ophthalmology, not broader therapeutic-area CRO work.
  • By June 2026, Lexitas claimed 170-plus trials, 700-plus sites, and five FDA approvals.
  • Its April 30, 2026 NAMSA partnership bundles ophthalmic CRO execution with device development.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Company News

PR Newswire
Jul 14th, 2026
Lexitas Pharma Services and Ocusun enroll first patient in a pilot study for an upcoming phase III clinical trial evaluating investigational eye drop for age-related cataract.

Lexitas Pharma Services and Ocusun enroll first patient in a pilot study for an upcoming phase III clinical trial evaluating investigational eye drop for age-related cataract. Jul 14, 2026, 08:01 ET Multicenter U.S. study advances a potential new option for a condition affecting millions DURHAM, N.C. and GUANGZHOU, China, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Lexitas Pharma Services, a leading full-service ophthalmology clinical research organization (CRO), and Ocusun, a high-tech innovative ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, announced the enrollment of the first patient in an ongoing pilot study evaluating ZOC2017217, an investigational topical eye drop designed as a potential new treatment for age-related cataracts. The multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled pilot study for the upcoming pivotal phase III study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of ZOC2017217 in participants with age-related cataract. The first patient was enrolled in the study at North Bay Eye Associates, Inc. in Petaluma, California, under the direction of Jason Bacharach, MD. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07395986). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 94 million people worldwide are affected by cataract, making it one of the leading global causes of vision loss and blindness. This widespread public health condition typically develops with age and affects a significant portion of the older adult population. Cataract treatment accounts for an estimated $3.4-$3.6 billion in annual Medicare spending, making it one of the most significant sources of ophthalmic healthcare expenditure. Currently, surgery is the only viable treatment solution. ZOC2017217 is being developed to help inhibit or potentially reverse the progression of cataracts, with the goal of reducing the burden of prolonged vision impairment while expanding future treatment options for patients globally. "The enrollment of our first patient marks an important milestone for the ZOC2017217 program, building on encouraging data from our exploratory study in China where 50.0% to 86.4% of participants achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better 12 to 24 weeks post-treatment. ZOC2017217 indicates a potential alternative treatment approach that could reshape the landscape of cataract care," said Terrence Li, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Ocusun. "By pioneering this innovative development strategy, our objective is to deliver a new treatment option that addresses the significant unmet need for age-related cataract treatment globally. We are deeply grateful to our research sites and to our partners at Lexitas Pharma Services for bringing their deep specialization in ophthalmology and unmatched operational delivery to support the successful advancement of this study." "Addressing visual function decline at the pre-surgical stage is a critical frontier in ophthalmic care," said Jason Bacharach, MD, medical director of North Bay Eye Associates and an investigator in the trial. "ZOC2017217 offers a first-of-its-kind pharmacological approach to managing cataract progression. I anticipate that this innovative therapy will significantly expand our clinical toolkit and fundamentally advance how we protect patient vision globally." "Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide, and the development of a potential non-surgical treatment represents an exciting opportunity to advance patient care," said Jeanne Hecht, Chief Executive Officer of Lexitas Pharma Services. "We are proud to support Ocusun in generating the clinical evidence needed to assess the potential of this innovative therapy and help inform the program's continued development." ZOC2017217 is an investigational topical eye drop derived from lanosterol, a naturally occurring sterol that has demonstrated potential to address cataract formation. In preclinical studies, the therapy significantly improved antioxidant activity, inhibited protein misfolding and aggregation associated with cataract formation, thereby reducing lens opacity. Early clinical findings also suggest that ZOC2017217 may improve visual function, reduce lens opacity, and enhance vision-related quality of life in patients with age-related cataract. Physicians interested in referring patients may contact [email protected] for additional information about eligibility and participating sites. About Ocusun Ocusun is a high-tech innovative ophthalmic company located in Guangzhou, China, specializing in the research and development, production, and sale of innovative drugs. The company boasts proprietary treatments for conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, and is powered by an elite team of scientists, ophthalmic clinical groups, and an international research and development base. Ocusun is advancing toward global leadership in ophthalmology through innovative products that address unmet clinical needs, fostering a culture of innovation dedicated to improving vision health worldwide. About Lexitas Pharma Services Lexitas is the leading full-service ophthalmology clinical research organization (CRO). With unmatched expertise and precision in ophthalmic research, we deliver tailored approaches, rigorous quality standards, and unwavering commitment to operational success. Our team of experts, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and clinical operations specialists, brings extensive medical, scientific, regulatory, and operational knowledge across all ophthalmology subspecialties. With a deep understanding of patient treatment pathways, provider and research networks, and market opportunities, Lexitas provides customized solutions that support your needs at every stage of development. Visit www.lexitas.com for more information. SOURCE Lexitas Pharma Services

Eyewire
May 21st, 2026
Lexitas Pharma Services acquires Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE, and Element Erie assets.

Lexitas Pharma Services acquires Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE, and Element Erie assets. Lexitas Pharma Services, a portfolio company of QHP Capital, has expanded its retina research capabilities through the acquisition of Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE, and the assets of Element Erie: Imaging & Reading Center PLLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Erie Retina Research, in Erie, Pennsylvania, led by retina specialist and researcher David Almeida, MD, MBA, PhD, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lexitas. The transaction also includes the acquisition of CASExERIE, an ophthalmic innovation hub focused on advanced research, surgical training, and retina-focused product development, which will continue to operate within Erie Retina Research. In addition, Lexitas acquired the assets of Element Erie, a specialized imaging and reading center dedicated to the review and interpretation of ophthalmic imaging used in clinical trials. The combined organizations are expected to create a fully integrated retina research ecosystem designed to accelerate ophthalmic innovation and improve efficiency across the clinical development process, according to Lexitas. By bringing together Lexitas' clinical trial operations with Erie Retina Research's scientific and investigative expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen the delivery of high-quality retinal clinical trials at a time of rapid growth in retinal therapeutics. According to the company, the partnership is expected to deliver several strategic advantages, including expanded patient access across a broader range of retinal diseases, improved patient enrollment performance, and increased operational efficiency through integrated infrastructure and coordinated services. The addition of CASExERIE is also expected to enhance Lexitas' capabilities in surgical and medical device trials by providing specialized resources for surgical training, device evaluation, and procedural innovation. The organizations said the collaboration will further strengthen scientific leadership in retina development through integrated expertise supporting protocol design, clinical strategy, and scientific consultation from early-stage through late-stage clinical development. As part of the transaction, Dr. Almeida, President and CEO of Erie Retina Research and founder of CASExERIE, will join Lexitas as Chief Retina Strategy Officer. In his new role, he will lead scientific and strategic development across the combined retina portfolio.

Business Wire
May 20th, 2026
Lexitas Pharma Services, a Leading Ophthalmology CRO, Announces the Acquisition of Erie Retina Research, CASExERIE and Element Erie

Lexitas Pharma Services, a portfolio company of QHP Capital, is pleased to announce the closing of its acquisition of Erie Retina Research—one of the nation’...

The Bulletin
Apr 30th, 2026
NAMSA and Lexitas announce strategic partnership to deliver end-to-end ophthalmic medical device development.

NAMSA and Lexitas announce strategic partnership to deliver end-to-end ophthalmic medical device development. PR Newswire Today at 4:47am PDT Sponsors gain a single, accountable partner through all stages of product development, with Lexitas' dedicated ophthalmology expertise embedded in NAMSA's end-to-end MedTech development platform TOLEDO, Ohio and DURHAM, N.C., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - NAMSA, the global leader in MedTech contract research offering end-to-end development services, today announced a strategic partnership with Lexitas Pharma Services, the leading full-service ophthalmology contract research organization (CRO), to deliver comprehensive product development support to ophthalmic medical device sponsors. Through the partnership, Lexitas brings over 15 years of dedicated ophthalmic expertise and proven operational delivery, an extensive investigator site network, and an integrated reading center. By pairing these strengths with NAMSA's robust medical device experience and global CRO capabilities, the collaboration creates a uniquely comprehensive platform for sponsors. Together, NAMSA and Lexitas provide device innovators with a single, accountable partner for the entire development lifecycle, ensuring seamless support and coordination throughout every phase. An Embedded, Integrated Operating Model Unlike traditional referral or subcontracting arrangements, NAMSA and Lexitas will operate as a single, unified team. Lexitas clinical experts - including medical monitoring, ophthalmic imaging specialists, and site strategy leads - are integrated directly into NAMSA's project and study management structure, operating under a shared technology and process platform and a unified quality management system. Sponsors get one team, one set of accountabilities, and one line of sight across their program. What Ophthalmic Device Sponsors Gain * End-to-end product lifecycle support from preclinical and biocompatibility through IDE, pivotal trial, regulatory submission, and commercialization * Specialized ophthalmic clinical execution through Lexitas' network of 700+ investigator sites, integrated reading center, BCVA certification program, and dedicated medical monitoring team * Device-native clinical research expertise, including FDA medical device endpoint fluency, IDE strategy, and device-specific trial design * Deep therapeutic-area coverage across anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic indications, including cell and gene therapy, rare disease and advanced modalities * Global reach across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific * A single, accountable team under a single contract that reduces vendor management burden and coordination risk for sponsors Executive Perspectives Ophthalmic device sponsors have asked The Bend Bulletin for something the market hasn't been able to deliver in a coordinated way: deep device-specific expertise across the full development lifecycle, paired with specialized ophthalmic clinical execution. This partnership with Lexitas allows The Bend Bulletin to offer exactly that. NAMSA brings the end-to-end development platform ophthalmic device innovators' need; Lexitas brings the unparalleled ophthalmic expertise depth that elevates the clinical stage. Together, The Bend Bulletin is giving sponsors a rare combination: world-class device development under one contract, with the ophthalmic specialization to execute at the highest level. - Brian Smith, Chief Executive Officer, NAMSA NAMSA's global MedTech development platform is a powerful complement to what Lexitas has built in ophthalmology. By embedding its ophthalmic experts across site strategy, imaging, and medical oversight within NAMSA's operating model, the partnership enables sponsors to execute highly specialized ophthalmic trials with greater confidence and consistency. Together, NAMSA's medical device expertise and Lexitas' ophthalmology focus deliver a truly integrated approach that drives value for sponsors and meaningful impact for patients. - Jeanne Hecht, Chief Executive Officer, Lexitas Meet the Joint Team at ARVO 2026 NAMSA and Lexitas will be on-site together at the ARVO Annual Meeting, taking place May 3-6 in Denver, Colorado. Ophthalmic device sponsors and industry partners are invited to visit the Lexitas booth #10032 to connect with the joint team and learn how this strategic partnership can support and advance their development programs. About NAMSA Founded in 1967, NAMSA is a global MedTech Contract Research Organization (CRO) offering end-to-end development services across clinical research, regulatory and reimbursement consulting, biocompatibility testing, and preclinical research. With more than 1,500 experts across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific, NAMSA serves over 3,000 MedTech companies worldwide, from emerging innovators to established global manufacturers. NAMSA is dedicated to accelerating medical device product development, delivering proven solutions that move products through the development lifecycle efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more at namsa.com. About Lexitas Pharma Services Lexitas is the leading full-service ophthalmology clinical research organization (CRO). With unmatched expertise and precision in ophthalmic research, The Bend Bulletin deliver tailored approaches, rigorous quality standards, and unwavering commitment to operational success. Its team of experts, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and clinical operations specialists, brings extensive medical, scientific, regulatory, and operational knowledge across all ophthalmology subspecialties. With a deep understanding of patient treatment pathways, provider and research networks, and market opportunities, Lexitas provides customized solutions that support your needs at every stage of development. Visit lexitas.com for more information. SOURCE NAMSA This is a paid placement. For further inquiries, please contact PR Newswire directly.

Seeking Alpha
Feb 14th, 2024
Lexitas appoints Sriram Venkateswaran as CFO

Lexitas appoints Sriram Venkateswaran as CFO.