Head of External Innovation – Oncology Early Development

Role Overview

• Serve as the primary liaison with business development to define and implement the global oncology business development strategy, oversee due diligence activities, and cultivate high-impact external partnerships.
• Engage with executive leadership and disease area strategy teams to assess portfolio needs, deliver strategic recommendations, and ensure clear, compelling communication of product strategies and updates.
• Advise on the prioritization of both internal and external preclinical and clinical research initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide matrix leadership to early-stage Global Development Product Leaders (GDPLs), clinical scientists, clinical pharmacologists, and other team members within the function.
• Collaborate regularly with leaders and representatives across Pfizer Oncology and partner lines to enhance awareness of emerging targets, priorities, and project status, fostering alignment and influence.
• Lead and participate in Key Opinion Leader (KOL) advisory boards to gather expert feedback on development assets and inform portfolio strategy.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize findings to support the advancement of clinical development programs in the context of competitive intelligence.
• Champion and deliver on the integration of innovative approaches in early clinical development, including artificial intelligence, translational technologies, model-informed drug development, precision medicine, and other process improvement related initiatives, in order to accelerate decision-making.
• Contribute to organizational excellence within the OESD department by fostering a collaborative, transparent, and trust-based team environment that encourages open communication and alignment with the overall portfolio vision.

Requirements

• MD, MD-PhD, or PharmD with 10+ years of industry experience in oncology drug development is preferred
• Clinical oncology experience; board certification in oncology preferred (including BCOP if PharmD)
• Significant industry leadership experience in clinical, translational and/or basic research in biomedical sciences
• A proactive and strategic thinker, with strong data-driven decision-making skills
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Highly collaborative with outstanding relationship building skills with internal company leadership, external development partners and investigators/medical professionals
• Has a global perspective and mindset, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from myriad cultures, backgrounds, and geographies
• Capacity to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment
• Demonstrates a passion for helping patients with cancer and for the science of oncology.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
• Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid vacation
• Holiday and personal days
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage