Sr Director External Research and Innovation

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.   Essential Functions and 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.   Scientific and technical: Ability to assess scientific novelty and relevance, interpret scientific datasets and ability to evaluate path from discovery to clinical proof-of-concept. Expertise and ability to support diligence discussions (scientific and strategic input). Experience with biomarkers, target validation, disease models and early clinical development. Understands emerging therapeutic modalities.   Strategic & business acumen Strategic acumen and ability to connect external scientific opportunities to Lundbeck’s strategy and priorities. Understands the portfolio fit, risk/return trade-offs and timing. Can monitor activities and pipeline moves in the external environment. Understands collaboration models (research collaborations, options, licenses, equity investments). Familiarity with key value drivers in early-stage biotech.    Relationships & communication Possesses clear, concise communication of complex science to non-experts and can tailor messages for different audiences (e.g. scientists, executives, business development associates etc.).    Working relationships Serve as a credible scientific ambassador for Lundbeck within the regional ecosystem. Secure close interactions with External Research & Innovation team and other relevant functions. Engage with external stakeholders (scientific opinion leaders, biotech companies, startups, academia, Venture Capital / Investment firms etc.).   Required Education, Experience, and Skills: 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.   Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills: 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.   Travel: Willingness/Ability to travel up to 15-20% domestically (international travel may be required occasionally).   The range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in the state of Massachusett, if selected for this role, and may vary based on various factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Salary Pay Range: $275,000 - $320,000 and eligibility for a 30% bonus target based on company and individual performance, and eligibility to participate in the company’s long-term incentive plan. Additional benefits for this position include flexible paid time off (PTO), health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision and company match 401k and car stipend benefit. Additional benefits information can be found on our site. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.     Why Lundbeck Lundbeck offers a robust and comprehensive benefits package to help employees live well and protect their health, family, and everyday life. Information regarding our benefit offering can be found on the U.S. career site.   Lundbeck is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to disabled veterans and other individuals with disabilities during our employment application process. If, because of a disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit the U.S. career site.   Lundbeck is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law, rule, or regulation. Lundbeck participates in E-Verify.

Created: 2026-03-05