Head of External Innovation, Oncology Early Development (MD required)

Pfizer • Bothell, WA

41d

About The Position

This role provides strategic leadership for business development-related clinical strategy, AI-driven innovation, and clinical excellence within Oncology Early Stage Development. The position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing partnerships, technologies, and collaborations that accelerate early stage oncology development. It also champions the integration of artificial intelligence and other advanced analytics to optimize clinical development, enhance decision-making, and deliver competitive advantage.

Requirements

• MD with 10+ years of industry experience in oncology drug development is preferred, track record in clinical BD support, and oncology clinical research including early phase drug development.
• Clinical oncology experience; board certification in oncology preferred
• Significant industry leadership experience in clinical, translational and/or basic research in biomedical sciences
• A proactive and strategic thinker, with strong data-driven decision-making skills
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Highly collaborative with outstanding relationship building skills with internal company leadership, external development partners and investigators/medical professionals
• Has a global perspective and mindset, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from myriad cultures, backgrounds, and geographies
• Capacity to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrates a passion for helping patients with cancer and for the science of oncology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary early-stage clinical liaison with business development to advise on defining and implementing the global oncology business development clinical portfolio strategy, to oversee clinical due diligence activities, and help cultivate high-impact external partnerships.
• Engage with executive leadership and disease area strategy teams to assess portfolio needs, deliver strategic recommendations, and ensure clear, compelling communication of product strategies and updates.
• Advise on the prioritization of both internal and external preclinical and clinical research initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide matrix leadership to early-stage Global Development Product Leaders (GDPLs), clinical scientists, clinical pharmacologists, and other team members within the function.
• Collaborate regularly with leaders and representatives across Pfizer Oncology and partner lines to enhance awareness of emerging targets, priorities, and project status, fostering alignment and influence.
• Lead and participate in Key Opinion Leader (KOL) advisory boards to gather expert feedback on development assets and inform portfolio strategy.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize findings to support the advancement of clinical development programs in the context of competitive intelligence.
• Champion and deliver on the integration of innovative approaches in early clinical development, including artificial intelligence, translational technologies, model-informed drug development, precision medicine, and other process improvement related initiatives, in order to accelerate decision-making.
• Contribute to organizational excellence within the OESD department by fostering a collaborative, transparent, and trust-based team environment that encourages open communication and alignment with the overall portfolio vision.

Benefits

• In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 30.0% of the base salary and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program.
• We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments.
• Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree