Head of Search & Evaluation - External Innovation

Job Description

AbbVie’s Search & Evaluation group is responsible for sourcing external innovation from the global innovation ecosystem, to supplement the on-market portfolio and innovative R&D pipeline with strategically-aligned assets. The main focus for the Head of Search & Evaluation, External Innovation, China, will be the sourcing of innovative assets and platforms supporting AbbVie’s ambitions on the global stage across key therapeutic areas including immunology, neuroscience, oncology, obesity, and other growth TAs. The S&E group leads the scientific/technical assessment of partnering opportunities and coordinates all scientific/technical due diligence. The S&E group works in close collaboration with AbbVie’s Business Development & Acquisitions team and Transactions Legal. The scope of activities encompasses all types of assets (platforms, individual drug candidates, pipelines, and acquisition targets), all types of transactions (licenses, option agreements, R&D collaborations, acquisitions), and all stages in development (discovery- to commercial-stage).

Responsibilities: 

The Head of Search & Evaluation, External Innovation, China will

•Lead an S&E team and proactively search for, identify, and evaluate potential partnering opportunities from biopharma companies, academic institutions, other non-profit research institutes, and life science venture capital investors in China.

•Lead the scientific/technical assessment of partnering opportunities, in close dialogue with the S&E Therapeutic Area leads from the Global team, BD&A colleagues, as well as subject matter experts from R&D and other functional areas. This includes (1) managing interactions with external parties, (2) project management in the context of the assessment and deal process, (3) overseeing and actively contributing to the scientific/technical as well as overall evaluation process, (4) developing recommendations and proposals for senior management and governance committees.

•Coordinate or contribute to the conduct and completion of all scientific/technical due diligence activities, including the preparation and presentation of due diligence reports and management presentations.

•Track and communicate the status of active assessments and deal processes, including (1) information of key internal stakeholders on a timely basis (2) delivery of oral and written progress updates for executive-level audiences, and (3) timely capturing of interactions, events, correspondence and information materials in AbbVie’s information management systems.

•Network with existing and potential future partners from the innovation ecosystem in China, to ensure awareness of AbbVie’s strategic priorities for partnering and key capabilities as a partner to entities from China, BD objectives.

•Support to affiliate-level or global initiatives that foster the dialogue with potential partners from China, such as AbbVie-branded partnering days, local and regional partnering events.

•Collaborate as needed with AbbVie Ventures, for the sourcing and scientific/technical assessment of equity investment opportunities. 

•Contribute towards the negotiation of non-binding term sheets and definitive agreements, including coordination and integration of all scientific/technical inputs (e.g., R&D work plans, Clinical Development Plans, technical success criteria) into legal documents, and development of appropriate deal structures, risk mitigation and negotiating strategies to help ensure alignment with AbbVie’s TA objectives and functional management.

•Facilitate creation of institutional memory for opportunities by providing clear, concise assessments and recommendations for future reference. Fully leverage new and existing external and internal opportunity management tools to support the operations of the growing S&E group as it relates to tracking incoming opportunities.

•This role will manage and mentor an S&E team to fulfill the above responsibilities across therapeutic areas.

Qualifications

Key Stakeholders:

Internal: S&E Global Team, Global BD&A team, Transactions Legal, R&D, China Affiliate organization, Global and International Commercial organization, AbbVie Ventures, Executive Management.

External: CEOs, CBOs, heads of R&D of existing and potential future partner organizations.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of drug development or Business Development work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries required / 8+ with masters / 6+ with PhD.

• Proven track record of signed deals with fair scales

• Strong leadership skills and team management experience to lead/manage multifunctional teams to evaluate target opportunities, and produce high quality analyses. Good track record of managing a team. Ability to drive projects to deliver timely results and follow through on commitments.

• Master or Ph.D. degree in related scientific field. Overseas education background is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a 0 to 1 environment. Capable of quickly building up network and collaborating with key stakeholders / potential partners internal and externally.

• Highly motivated with strong organizational and communication skills, excellent work ethic, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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