External Research Opportunity Lead

MSI Pharma; Belgique; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Pharma is looking for an ERO Lead based in the United States for hybrid work. This role involves managing the end-to-end process of externally sponsored research, ensuring compliance and scientific value. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years' experience in the pharmaceutical sector and proven skills in contract management and stakeholder engagement. A Bachelor's degree is required; advanced degrees are advantageous. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence external research initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years’ experience in Pharma/Biotech, Academia, Research Institutions, or CROs.
• 3+ years’ experience managing contracts across their full lifecycle.
• Strong experience in project and stakeholder management.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical research regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, endorsement, and lifecycle management of external research opportunities.
• Chair and drive review committee meetings and decision-making processes.
• Develop and negotiate research agreements and statement of work.
• Ensure ongoing contract compliance, milestone tracking, and performance oversight.
• Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the evolution of external research frameworks, processes, and systems.
• Oversee external service providers to ensure delivery against agreed operational metrics.

Skills

Research contract development and negotiation

External research governance (IIS, ERC, ERS)

Regulatory and compliance oversight

Cross-functional project management

Vendor and service provider management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree, PhD, MD, or JD (advantageous but not essential)

Job description

Location: Brussels, Belgium (hybrid working)

Engagement Status: Freelance until end of 2026

Overview

We’re partnered with a large pharmaceutical organisation to support in looking for an External Research Opportunity (ERO) Lead to own the end-to-end management of externally sponsored research with healthcare stakeholders. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of medical, legal, and compliance, supporting Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS), External Research Collaborations (ERC), and External Research Services (ERS) across multiple therapeutic areas. You’ll act as the subject matter expert, driving governance, contracting, and oversight to ensure research is delivered compliantly, efficiently, and with real scientific value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the review, endorsement, and lifecycle management of external research opportunities
• Chair and drive review committee meetings and decision-making processes
• Develop and negotiate research agreements and statement of work, partnering with medical, clinical, legal, and compliance teams
• Ensure ongoing contract compliance, milestone tracking, and performance oversight
• Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders, escalating risks and issues as needed
• Support the evolution of external research frameworks, processes, and systems
• Oversee external service providers to ensure delivery against agreed operational metrics

Requirements

• 3–5+ years’ experience in Pharma/Biotech, Academia, Research Institutions, or CROs
• 3+ years’ experience managing contracts across their full lifecycle
• Strong experience in project and stakeholder management
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical research regulations and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in an fast-paced environment

Hard Skills

• Research contract development and negotiation
• External research governance (IIS, ERC, ERS)
• Regulatory and compliance oversight
• Cross-functional project management
• Vendor and service provider management

Soft Skills

• Confident decision-maker with strong judgement
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and solutions-focused
• Strong communicator with executive presence

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree, PhD, MD, or JD advantageous but not essential