Senior Director - Search & Evaluation, Neuroscience

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Organization Overview :

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The Neuroscience Search & Evaluation team takes an entrepreneurial approach to the delivery of novel medicines to patients by seeking external innovation that complements Lilly’s internal research in Neuroscience.

Search & Evaluation leads the assessment of strategic fit, technical merit and the delivery of external innovation partnering for potential new medicines for Lilly’s Neuroscience portfolio, helping to ensure Lilly continues to be a leader in breakthrough Neuroscience therapies delivering improved patient outcomes.

We deliver external opportunities at all stages of discovery and development from academic collaborations and direct venture investments through early and late stage in-licensing, partnering or acquisition to technology platforms.

Responsibilities :

The Senior Director, Neuroscience Search & Evaluation will play a critical role in identifying relevant opportunities, leading detailed scientific assessments, representing Lilly externally at partnering conferences and working with external and internal stakeholders to deliver effective partnerships.

S / he will cultivate relationships within the external innovation community and use his / her detailed understanding of both discovery and development processes and Lilly’s internal portfolio to identify and prioritize high-value external assets, disruptive innovation and opportunities for future investment.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish an effective internal network with senior leadership across Lilly Research Labs, and be capable of using these networks to inform and drive partnering decision-making across Therapy Areas and Business Units.

• Rigorous, objective scientific assessment of potential partnership opportunities, including the identification of key issues and appropriate expertise to facilitate resolution.
• Lead interactions with external organizations, representing Lilly science and Lilly’s strategic needs to biotechs, pharma companies, VCs, academic community, government agencies, etc.
• Build long-term relationships, providing constructive technical feedback to potential partners at various stages of review, nurturing relationships in parallel to evaluations.
• Timely and effective communication with internal decision makers across Lilly Research Labs.
• Work effectively within the cross-functional Lilly External Innovation team.
• Coach and mentor less senior members of staff in the Lilly Neuroscience and External Innovation organizations.

Basic Requirements :

Ph.D. or advanced degree in Neuroscience or a discipline related to pharmaceutical drug discovery and development, e.g.

Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Cell Biology.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or related field.
• Deep scientific expertise in Neuroscience.

Additional Skills / Preferences :

• Track record of therapeutic project delivery from discovery through early clinical development.
• Expertise in Neurology and / or diagnostics and biomarkers would be an advantage.
• Operational and organizational experience with demonstrated ability to maintain a broad perspective whilst not losing sight of important details.
• Outstanding interpersonal and negotiation skills; willingness and ability to deal with conflicts.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to represent Lilly at international meetings.

Additional Information :

10-20% of travel is anticipated (including international travel).

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