Connect with the external biotech, venture, and academic ecosystems
Guide opportunities from first contact through due diligence, governance, and deal finalization
Source and evaluate external capabilities, technologies, and assets
Maintain a structured pipeline of external opportunities
Build and sustain relationships across biotech, venture capital, academic, and CRO ecosystems
Lead cross-functional scientific due diligence
Own and maintain a living competitive landscape across SM E&I's key technology domains
Translate landscape intelligence into actionable strategic recommendations for leadership
Partner closely with Therapeutic Area Search & Evaluate teams and other departments

PhD (with 7+ years of experience) or Master's degree (with 10+ years of experience) in pharmaceutical or biotechnology R&D, with a foundation in drug discovery or translational science
3+ years of experience in external innovation, search and evaluation, business development scouting, or similar function involving systematic evaluation of external scientific opportunities
Broad scientific literacy across drug discovery fields including chemistry, biology, pharmacology, AI/ML, and automation
Experience conducting or leading structured scientific due diligence
Strong written communication skills, experience preparing evaluation reports or governance materials for senior leadership
Familiarity with external biotech and health-tech ecosystem
Familiarity with at least two technology areas such as macrocyclic drug design, targeted protein degradation, AI/ML driven drug discovery, or automation
Exposure to deal structures sufficient to contribute meaningfully to strategic deal discussions
Strong business sense
Ability to manage multiple concurrent evaluations in a dynamic environment
Collaborative personality suited to a small, high-autonomy team

Director – Small Molecule External Innovation

Key skills