Investment Banking Associate - Biotechnology
William Blair & Company
Chicago, IL · $175k a year · Posted July 17, 2026
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How AI is used in this kind of work
Among financial specialists, all other, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for financial specialists, all other: 22% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.
Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.
Execute in-depth analyses to support new business development, transaction execution and the delivery of investment banking products and services to clients and prospects. Perform extensive research and financial modeling, apply valuation methods, and complete due diligence activities. Work closely with client staff to advance projects, gathering necessary information, conveying complex financial modeling outcomes and presenting analysis results. Provide training and mentorship to less experienced staff.
Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
Perform extensive financial/valuation analyses to value debt and equity for mergers, acquisitions and capital raising transactions. Utilize creative approaches to analyses that illustrate key concepts/messages. Carefully review and provide guidance to Analysts’ work.
Build advanced financial models to value potential and actual clients and/or industries, leveraging broad understanding of valuation and broad finance/accounting topics. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of multiple client sectors. Assimilate information to perform insightful analyses.
Lead due diligence, research, analysis and documentation of potential and live transactions. Anticipate potential deal issues and pass concerns through to team members in real time.
Actively participates in presentation development and hypothesis testing to highlight financial analysis and research results.
Develop, produce and deliver proposals and presentations to clients and prospects, which exhibit broad knowledge of IB product solutions and underlying components. Engage, with analysts, in the development of marketing materials that highlight the competitive advantage of William Blair.
Actively participate in client meetings and drafting sessions.
Research and expand expertise of industries and/or sectors. Leverage knowledge to target certain clients or industries. Monitor key industry drivers. Offer insights into business trends in sector to facilitate processes. Evaluate and improve BIC content.
Identify improvements to processes and propose solutions to complete tasks more efficiently.
Take ownership of client relationships. Foster effective dialogue with finance and accounting staffs to facilitate processes. Anticipate needs and challenges and provide seamless solutions.
Demonstrate an understanding of macro factors related to client industry, investment banking products and potential implications.
Act as “on the job” trainer for analysts, providing constructive feedback. Focus on improving the quality of analyst and summer intern work product. Ensure senior team knows the valuable contributions of all team members.
Ensure all activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Additional responsibilities as requested.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required
Prior investment banking experience required; 1+ years as an Investment Banking Associate covering biopharma strongly preferred
Science background or prior experience working in biotechnology and/or related life sciences industry and/or life sciences consulting preferred
Internship or prior work experience in financial services industry preferred
SIE Exam, Series 79, and Series 63 must be acquired within 150 days of employment (for US only)
Detail oriented with strong analytical abilities
Excellent mathematical, writing, verbal and computer skills
Ability to adapt to new tasks with little notice
Ability to manage expectations of senior bankers while working on multiple projects simultaneously
Effective leadership and coaching skills
Strong desire to win
Sound judgement
Deep, sophisticated understanding of accounting and finance
Commitment to satisfying internal and external customers
Travel required: approximately 10% to 30%
Willing to join our offices in Chicago or New York
#LI-CG1
A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.
This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.
Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.
Salary Range $175,000 — $175,000 USD
About Our Firm
William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com .
William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v
Be aware of hiring scams : William Blair has clear processes and guidelines with regards to recruiting. We do not request personal financial information in connection with an employment application nor does William Blair extend any employment offers without first conducting an interview through one of its registered offices. William Blair does not use instant messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage as part of the recruiting or interviewing process.
Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms : William Blair does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be considered as a valid submission.
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