Description The Principal Business Development role in the Amazon Research Initiatives (ARI) team is responsible for driving mechanisms that connect Amazon's mid to long-term scientific areas with potential academic research solutions. This position focuses on understanding business needs, identifying relevant academic research, and measuring innovation value to guide investment decisions. The role involves developing academic research investment strategy, analyzing research trends, and collaborating with internal teams to align business goals with investment strategies. Key job responsibilities The ideal candidate is a deep thinker who excels in cross-functional teams and thrives in fast-paced environments. They should be adept at identifying strategic opportunities, evaluating academic research solutions, and establishing processes to measure ongoing investments. Key attributes include strong analytical and communication skills, excellent judgment, high standards, and the ability to think strategically while maintaining tactical focus. The successful candidate will be results-oriented with a big-picture vision, capable of inspiring others and working effectively across various business units. About the team Amazon Research Initiatives (ARI) team is a newly formed team with the mission to make Amazon a place where every transformative idea from academia is efficiently discovered, evaluated, and disseminated to accelerate innovation on behalf of our customers. ARI is an academic research investment management team that sources research proposals from top global universities, matches promising ideas with Amazon business funders, manages research portfolios, diffuses learnings across Amazon to maximize learning impact, and disrupts once salient technology trends emerge. We provide guardrails to avoid investment waste and connect leaders with similar research interests to amplify their work. Businesses that opt into the ARI model can expect an academic investment strategy that continuously aligns their long-term innovation needs with strategy execution, measurement, and iteration, and tie in to Amazon’s broader technical community. Basic Qualifications - 7+ years of technology business or corporate development experience in a corporate or financial services environment Preferred Qualifications - MBA and/or advanced degree in a related field - Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining high-level strategic partnerships - Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data - Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating across departments - Proven ability to adapt to changing market conditions and implement innovative strategies - Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools and business intelligence software Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $153,900/year in our lowest geographic market up to $254,500/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.