Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation (R&D External Innovation)

Be the new Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation (R&D External Innovation)

In a biotech company bonding to discover, design and develop innovative peptide-based medicines.

Currently, we are looking for an Associate Director/Director, Search & Evaluation to join our External Innovation team to support the development of Zealand’s R&D pipeline and to find new opportunities for collaboration, licensing or acquisition.

This is a key role within the company with an emphasis on building depth into the R&D pipeline over the next 5 years and broadening with new technologies through R&D collaborations, licensing and acquisition. It is a unique opportunity to influence and execute on the strategic goals of Zealand. You will be responsible for seeking out external opportunities and leading cross-functional teams that evaluate business opportunities across the R&D value chain. Furthermore, you will coordinate and lead scientific due diligences, build internal and external relationships and be an ambassador with respect to executing Zealand’s growth aspirations. The role will have significant exposure across R&D, decision-making committees, and to Zealand senior management.

Responsibilities

• Search for, identify and evaluate external opportunities that complement our R&D strategy, in both pre-clinical and clinical development phases
• Build a comprehensive and effective external network within peptide drug discovery and the wider R&D eco-system, to ensure early visibility and access to emerging new innovations
• Provide project leadership on BD opportunities that are being assessed for scientific and commercial attractiveness
• Work in partnership with, and guide cross-functional teams, engaging external resources as needed, to maintain the utmost thoroughness in the decision-making process
• Build on Zealand’s scientific and competitive intelligence to track and interpret the latest trends in drug discovery, maintaining a view on the spectrum of partnership opportunities in the industry
• Support other innovation related activities, such as academic partnerships and support to internal R&D strategic workstreams

The External Innovation team is part of R&D working seamlessly with BD. We are responsible for our external innovation strategy, scouting activities, and prioritization of targets to pursue. At all times, the team will be exploring a pipeline of potential opportunities through a stage-gated assessment process and ensuring cross-functional alignment.

Candidate profile

• Degree in life sciences and/or Medicine
• Industry experience within the pharmaceutical R&D or medical areas
• Preferable scientific insight within peptide therapeutics, metabolic diseases and inflammation
• Experienced project leader, able to manage parallel projects with high exposure to senior management and preferable BD relevant experience in life sciences sector, including experience with evaluating business opportunities
• Strategic mindset and ability to engage the organization and clearly articulate the value proposition for diverse and changing business opportunities
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, proven ability to develop relationships with internal stakeholders and industry partners
• Good understanding of competitor landscapes within R&D and biopharma businesses
• Fluency in English, oral and written

Bonding to innovate

Our employees are fundamental to our success, and we continue to be able to attract and retain people with vast experience and talent. We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization.

Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other.

We bond as a result of our entrepreneurial culture where our people are encouraged to pursue their ideas and turn them into reality. We are curious about each other’s knowledge and expertise.

We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Zealand Pharma is a place where everyone is heard and contributes to the success, we all want to experience.

The Zealand Pharma DNA builds on four values: (1) We are bold, (2) We empower people, (3) We work as one team, and (4) We can be trusted.

Let’s bond and be bold

We offer a combined compensation package which includes a base salary, pension, bonus, and a possibility to join our employee share program. We care about our employees’ well-being and offer health insurance, use of massage, fitness, and a range of social clubs and activities. To find out more about working at Zealand, visit https://www.zealandpharma.com/careers/zealand-as-a-workplace/

Interested? Please apply no later than 14th May, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. For further information, please contact VP, R&D Strategy & External Innovation, Matthew Lindon at email [email protected].

About Zealand Pharma A/S

Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The company has development partnerships with a number of pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products.

Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a presence in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma’s business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.