EVP, Head of Oncology

Evotec; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Evotec in Abingdon, United Kingdom, seeks a Head of Oncology to shape the R&D strategy and lead strategic partnerships in the oncology field. You will drive an innovative pipeline and oversee cross-functional teams across sites to position Evotec as a leader in oncology.

The role requires a PhD-level scientific background with deep cancer biology expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to translate science into enterprise value through collaborations with pharma and biotech partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related life science field.
• Extensive cancer biology experience in drug discovery and development.
• Deep understanding of pharma R&D value chain and oncology.
• Translational science experience including IND knowledge.
• Strong leadership and cross-site collaboration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead strategy to build an internal oncology pipeline and partnerships.
• Guide oncology drug discovery and collaboration with pharma/biotech.
• Line manage the Oncology RnD team and Evotec’s BMS-Onco core team.
• Develop Innovate Oncology platform portfolio and drive next-gen innovations.
• Manage the R&D budget for internal oncology asset development.
• Provide disease know-how to support internal oncology R&D.
• Maintain relationships with collaborators to align projects.
• Set clear goals for team development and performance.
• Collaborate across functions and sites to deliver goals.
• Represent Evotec at events and publications.

Skills

PhD in life sciences

Cancer biology

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

R&D strategy

Education

PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry

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.