EVP, Head of Oncology

Evotec; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Evotec is seeking a Head of Oncology to shape and execute the R&D strategy in oncology, lead strategic partnerships, and drive a differentiated pipeline. This senior leadership role requires steering multi-site teams in a matrix environment and influencing internal and external stakeholders to position Evotec as a leader in oncology.

The role emphasizes strategic development of platforms, collaboration management, and budget accountability to deliver high-impact oncology assets.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry or life science field.
• Cancer biology expertise with drug discovery and development.
• Solid understanding of pharma R&D value chain and oncology.
• Experience from target identification to IND filing, including translational science.

Responsibilities

• Develop internal oncology technology platforms and partnerships, and spin-out opportunities.
• Lead strategic collaborations and guide oncology drug discovery to broaden the pipeline.
• Line manage the Oncology R&D team and Evotec’s core teams.
• Drive the Innovate Oncology platform portfolio and next-generation projects with commercial potential.
• Budget planning and defense for internal oncology asset development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry or life science

Job description

The Head of Oncology is a senior scientific and strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the R&D strategy within the oncology therapeutic area as well as leading strategic partnerships in the field. Reporting to the Head of Therapeutic Areas, this role drives innovation, identifies high-impact opportunities, and steers cross-functional efforts to build a competitive and differentiated pipeline. The role operates in a matrix environment, influencing internal and external stakeholders to position Evotec as a leader in the field.

Responsibilities

• Accountable and responsible for the overarching strategy to develop an internal pipeline of state-of-the-art oncology technology platforms and assets as well as the subsequent partnering with pharma and biotech companies and creation of spin-out companies
• Leading strategic collaborations, provide strategic guidance and oncology drug discovery expertise to further broaden and develop an attractive product candidate pipeline and achieve the overarching research and commercial goals for the collaboration
• Line manager for the Oncology RnD team and Evotec’s BMS-Onco core team
• Lead the strategic development of Evotec’s Innovate Oncology and platform portfolio and drive next generation innovation with strong commercial potential
• Accountable for proposing, defending and managing the R&D budget for internal oncology asset development
• Provide disease know-how and drug discovery expertise to support Evotec’s internal R&D efforts in oncology
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships between Evotec staff and collaborators to ensure the collaboration and internal projects are developed according to plan
• Set aligned goals for the team members to drive performance and create a positive climate for development and growth
• Provide scientific leadership and collaborate with Operations, Key Account Management and Business Development to identify, shape, and convert RnD projects into partnerships
• Work constructively and collaboratively with all functions & disciplines located at different Evotec sites to ensure delivery of the agreed goals
• Represent Evotec’s expertise at customer events, scientific conferences, consortia, and in peer-reviewed publications

Re quired Qualification

• PhD degree in molecular biology/biochemistry or similar life science subject
• Several years of cancer biology expertise in drug discovery and development, paired with high scientific rigor and excellent leadership skills
• Solid strategical and technical understanding of the pharma R&D value chain and project deliverables with in-depth subject matter expertise in oncology
• In depth experience and practical knowledge of pharmaceutical drug discovery and development from target ID to IND filing, including translational science expertise
• Strong leader and organizer of cross-departmental and multi-site activities
• Very strong experience of working effectively within collaborations
• Excellent leadership, networking and project management skills – key strategic and scientific driver of internal and external activities
• Flexible working style; adaptable to time efficient trouble shooting to drive key decision-making processes
• Initiator, supporter and driver of the identification of improvement and innovation opportunities
• Experience of resource monitoring
• Very strong communicator

For Italy:

In compliance with fundamental ethical and professional principles and with Legislative Decree 198/2006, Evotec is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees based on their skills, experience, and professional qualifications. In line with our ethical and professional principles, all employment-related decisions, including recruitment and selection processes, are made fairly and without any form of discrimination. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.
ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.