Vice President, Discovery

Ceva Santé Animale•Philadelphia, PA

15h

About The Position

The Vice President, Discovery is an enterprise executive responsible for therapeutic area strategy, scientific innovation, and delivery of the discovery portfolio across biologics and small molecule modalities. Ideally based at the Philadelphia site, the role provides strategic and operational leadership from target concept and lead identification through Proof of Concept (PoC), including early industrialization required to enable PoC studies. The VP leads internal R&D capabilities and the external innovation ecosystem to support sustainable pipeline generation, scientific excellence, and long-term enterprise value creation. In partnership with Franchise leadership, the VP aligns discovery strategy with therapeutic area priorities and commercial opportunity. The role oversees discovery innovation across biologics and small molecules, shapes therapeutic domain strategy and early pipeline value creation, and influences long-range R&D investment strategy and corporate growth planning. The VP represents the organization in portfolio governance, external partnerships, and strategic alliances, and reports directly to the EVP, Research & Development. This position is primarily office-based, with regular engagement across global R&D sites. It involves frequent interaction with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. Flexibility to accommodate global time zones is required, and significant domestic and international travel is expected, approximately 25–35%, potentially more depending on pipeline activity, governance schedules, and partnership engagements.

Requirements

Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or Chemistry.
At least 15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery.
At least 5 years in a senior executive leadership role.
Demonstrated track record of advancing programs from early discovery through Proof of Concept across biologics and/or small molecule modalities.
Proven success leading and transforming large, multidisciplinary R&D organizations within a global matrix environment.
Experience managing complex external innovation ecosystems, including academic, biotech, and platform partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to engage and influence executive leadership, board-level stakeholders, and external scientific communities.
Deep expertise in drug discovery science across biologics and/or small molecule modalities.
Strong command of portfolio governance, stage-gate processes, and R&D investment decision frameworks.
Proficiency in translational science and the path from target identification to Proof of Concept.
Experience building and scaling discovery platforms, including digital and data-driven approaches.
Working knowledge of regulatory expectations for early development programs.
Ability to evaluate and structure external partnerships, licensing opportunities, and scientific alliances.
Ability to shape solutions out of complexity, focus on clients, collaborate with empathy, engage and develop others, drive ambition and accountability, and influence others.

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent business training.

Responsibilities

Define and lead therapeutic domain strategies aligned with corporate growth priorities and long-range R&D investment planning.
Provide scientific leadership across biotherapeutic and small molecule discovery platforms.
Partner with Franchise leadership to align discovery priorities with therapeutic strategy, market opportunity, and portfolio needs.
Align discovery strategy with commercial opportunity, the competitive landscape, and enterprise portfolio value creation objectives.
Present portfolio strategy, investment priorities, and risk assessments to executive governance bodies.
Establish and govern innovation frameworks across Discovery and Translational Sciences.
Serve as a member of the Companion Animal Species Portfolio Offer Committee, overseeing the Ceva companion animal product portfolio and identifying opportunities matching customer needs.
Drive target identification, platform innovation, and early pipeline expansion across therapeutic domains.
Build scalable discovery capabilities, including digital enablement, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
Foster scientific rigor, creativity, and disciplined experimentation.
Lead external innovation strategy, including academic collaborations, biotech partnerships, platform alliances, and scientific consortia.
Identify and evaluate external opportunities that complement internal capabilities and therapeutic priorities.
Collaborate with Business Development on in-licensing and co-development opportunities.
Position the organization as a preferred partner within its therapeutic focus areas.
Be accountable for program progression from target concept through discovery and delivery of Proof of Concept (D0-ready candidates).
Implement portfolio governance and prioritization frameworks to optimize probability of technical success and R&D return on investment.
Lead portfolio reviews through Scientific Steering Committees and program governance forums.
Allocate capital, talent, and external resources across programs and modalities.
Lead resolution of complex scientific and technical risks and escalate strategic decisions as required.
Design and implement scalable discovery operating models supporting biologics and small molecule innovation.
Establish performance metrics tied to cycle time, cost efficiency, technical success rates, and portfolio value creation.
Lead transformation initiatives to enhance agility, accountability, and scientific productivity.
Ensure alignment across Discovery, Development, Regulatory Affairs, GID, GMSQ, Manufacturing, and Commercial organizations.
Anticipate downstream development requirements and collaborate with Development teams to support seamless asset transitions beyond PoC.
Lead effectively in a global matrix environment and resolve cross-functional prioritization challenges.
Provide executive visibility on major risks, resource constraints, and portfolio trade-offs.
Represent the organization at industry forums, scientific congresses, and regulatory interactions.
Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary discovery organization.
Develop senior leadership capability and succession pipelines across therapeutic areas and modalities.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, inclusion, and scientific excellence.
Champion and embed company values, core competencies, and leadership principles.