ExploR&D Program Lead (EPL)

Scorpion Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly in Boston is seeking an ExploR&D Program Lead to oversee cross-functional external collaboration projects from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept. You will define strategy, develop work plans, forecast resources, and manage budgets to ensure milestones are met.

As a scientific and technical authority across modalities, you will guide multi-disciplinary teams, influence stakeholders, and navigate complex data and risks while driving operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in biology or STEM.
• 5+ years in pharma/biotech drug development with preclinical and clinical experience.
• Advanced degrees preferred for seniority.

Responsibilities

• Define program strategy,
• Develop work plans,
• Forecast resources,
• Manage budgets,
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams,
• Influence internal and external stakeholders,
• Drive operational excellence.
• Serve as scientific and technical authority across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas, navigating complex data and program risks.

Skills

Program leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Resource forecasting

Stakeholder management

Biotech drug development

Education

Bachelor's in biology

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Role:

ExploR&D Program Lead within Lilly's early-stage biotech support ecosystem, overseeing cross-functional external collaboration projects from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept.

Responsibilities:

• define program strategy,
• develop work plans,
• forecast resources,
• manage budgets,
• lead multi-disciplinary teams,
• influence internal and external stakeholders,
• drive operational excellence.
• serve as scientific and technical authority across multiple modalities (including cell/gene therapies, biologics, small molecules) and therapeutic areas, navigating complex data and program risks.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's in biology or STEM,
• 5+ years in pharma/biotech drug development, with experience in preclinical and clinical stages;
• advanced degrees (PhD, PharmD, MS, or MBA) preferred for seniority.

High-Value:

• leadership in complex, multi-indication programs with external biotech partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and resource management;
• travel 10-25%, based on program needs.