Sr Director External Research and Innovation

Lundbeck•Boston, MA

21h•$275,000 - $320,000

About The Position

Do you want to join a team where the mission is meaningful, the challenges are complex, and you can directly see the results of your hard work? Lundbeck is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. With more than 70 years of experience in neuroscience, we are committed to improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Lundbeck employees are inspired and driven by our purpose to advance brain health and transform lives. Join us on our journey of growth! This role is based in the Greater Boston area. SUMMARY:This role is responsible for scientific scouting, identifying Neuroscience innovation and evaluating new preclinical opportunities within (primarily) the Boston biotech ecosystem (and potentially exploring further in the Northeast), in alignment with Lundbeck’s R&D, corporate strategy and external research & innovation priorities. The Senior Director will act as a credible ambassador for Lundbeck, assessing scientific novelty and relevance, interpreting pre-clinical and early clinical datasets, and fostering collaborations with biotech, startups, incubators, academia and venture capital / investment firms. Besides identifying new opportunities, the Senior Director is also responsible for securing that the local partnerships deliver outcomes according to agreed timelines to provide new entries to our global research portfolio.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD or PharmD) in biomedical sciences or related field.
8+ years of industry experience (biotech & pharma).
Strong scientific grounding in neuroscience.
Previous experience with bringing projects forward from inception to development candidate.
Extensive experience in scouting and evaluating scientific opportunities within the biotech ecosystem.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders
Deep know-how and understanding of the Boston biotech ecosystem - has a wide ecosystem network and can identify and engage with emerging companies, academia, Venture Capital and Investment Firms, key opinion leaders etc.
Strong oral and written communication skills - ability to communicate complex science effectively to a variety of scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Strong problem solving and project management skills.
Ability to work independently, experience working in a matrix environment.
The role is part of Lundbeck’s Vehicle Fleet Stipend Program and requires business use of a personal vehicle. More information on the stipend program can be found here.

Nice To Haves

PhD in biomedical sciences or related field
Demonstrated scientific knowledge of Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery, Clinical Development
Demonstrated track record of enhancing partnerships and Business Development deal flow.

Responsibilities

Proactively engage, build and maintain strong relationships within the biotech ecosystem (established biotech companies, startups, academia and venture capital / investment firms) to identify high-impact scientific collaboration opportunities aligned with the Lundbeck strategy.
Proactively scout and identify innovative neuroscience targets, platforms, and assets within the Northeast biotech ecosystem according to Lundbeck strategy and R&D priorities.
Evaluate preclinical and early clinical programs for scientific rigor, differentiation, translational potential, and strategic fit.
Represent Lundbeck as the partner of choice for strategic collaborations at scientific conferences, partnering meetings, networking groups and industry forums
Partner with External Research & Innovation to prioritize opportunities aligned with portfolio needs.
Ensuring active partnerships (in own area) are scientifically productive and progressing according to agreed milestones and timelines
Translate complex data into clear recommendations for internal governance and portfolio decision-making forums.
Maintain deep insight into emerging science, competitive landscape, and investment trends in neuroscience.
Support scientific due diligence for external opportunities, including critical assessment of preclinical and early clinical datasets.