Clinical Search and Evaluation Lead (m/f/d) - Neurology

UCB; Mettmann; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global collaboration opportunities

Job summary

UCB in a global neurology focus seeks a Clinical Search and Evaluation Lead (m/f/d) to shape partnering strategy and identify clinical-stage opportunities. You will monitor the external innovation landscape and advise on transactions with senior leaders across multiple European locations.

The role requires clinical development experience, strategic thinking and strong collaboration with the Transactions Team. Travel up to 15–20% is expected in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Medical degree is strongly preferred; doctoral degree may be considered with substantial clinical development experience.
• Several years of drug development experience within industry.
• Strong knowledge of neurology and clinical development pathways.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with external partners and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a neurology partnering roadmap guided by clinical and market trends.
• Scout, map and monitor later-stage assets across priority diseases and treatments.
• Screen and prioritise opportunities based on patient value and strategic fit.
• Evaluate evidence and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations for investments.
• Support due diligence and mitigate risks with cross-functional teams.
• Represent the company at industry events and build external networks.

Skills

Strategic thinking

English fluency

German language

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Medical degree

Doctoral degree possible

Job description

We are looking for a Clinical Search and Evaluation Lead (m/f/d) Neurology to join our global Business Development Neurology team, based in either Brussels, Belgium; Monheim, Germany; or Slough, United Kingdom. Other locations may be considered case by case.

About The Role

Join us in shaping our neurology partnering strategy. You will monitor the external innovation landscape in neurology to identify clinical-stage partnering opportunities that have the potential to deliver meaningful impact for patients. Combining clinical insight, scientific understanding and pharmaceutical business acumen, you will scout, screen and evaluate promising opportunities, assessing their strategic fit, competitive differentiation, value creation potential, and relevance to unmet patient needs. You will also support rigorous due diligence and provide clear and aligned recommendations that guide investment and transaction decisions.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the Head of Business Development Neurology and work closely with our Scientific Search & Evaluation team to ensure seamless coverage of the external innovation landscape and the identification of external growth opportunities aligned with our strategic priorities in neurology. You will also collaborate with our Transactions Team on due diligence efforts, and work alongside cross-functional experts to shape and challenge valuation assumptions on potential investments. You will build trusted relationships with external innovators and industry partners, helping us stay ahead of emerging trends and business opportunities in neurology.

What You'll Do

• Build and maintain a forward-looking neurology partnering roadmap informed by clinical, scientific, market and competitive trends.
• Scout, map and monitor later stage assets across priority diseases, patient populations and treatment approaches.
• Screen and prioritise opportunities based on patient value, differentiation, strategic fit and a clear transaction rationale.
• Evaluate clinical evidence, development plans, unmet needs, risks and potential benefits, then provide clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Support cross-functional due diligence by challenging assumptions, identifying risks and opportunities, and shaping practical mitigation plans.
• Build external networks, represent the company professionally at industry events and track emerging areas of strategic interest.

Interested? For this role we're looking for the following education, experience and skills

• A medical degree is strongly preferred; a doctoral scientific degree may be considered with substantial clinical development experience.
• Several years of relevant drug development experience within industry.
• Strong knowledge of neurology, including patient populations, standards of care and clinical development pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategy, analyse complex evidence and make balanced recommendations in a matrix organisation.
• Clear, credible communication and relationship-building skills with external partners, cross-functional teams and senior leaders.
• Fluent written and spoken English, German a plus, confidence using digital and artificial intelligence-enabled tools, and willingness to travel up to 15% to 20%.

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We’re not afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate …

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.