R&D External Innovation Lead — Sourcing & Partnerships

Novo Nordisk; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) savings plan

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novo Nordisk is seeking a R&D External Innovation Sourcing Project Director to identify and mature external opportunities that support Novo Nordisk's preclinical and early clinical pipeline.

You will drive ecosystems, shape partnerships, and govern portfolio decisions across therapy areas, coordinating with EI, NPI, and LoB teams to deliver IND-ready assets and innovative technologies for our global R&D organization.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life sciences with ≥9 years pharma/biotech experience.
• Strong leadership and program-management skills across multiple projects.
• Experience translating NPI/LoB needs into sourcing strategies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across matrix organizations.
• Fluent in English, with ability to present senior-level materials.

Responsibilities

• Identify, screen and shape external opportunities with EI&A and NPI/LoB.
• Drive inflow channels, prioritize ideas and develop collaboration frameworks.
• Accountable for portfolio decisions and impact on Novo Nordisk pipeline.
• Represent Novo Nordisk in governance and manage cross-functional projects.
• Develop partnerships with external stakeholders and secure handover to LoB.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

English fluency

Education

Master’s degree in life sciences

PhD in related field

MD/DO with relevant experience

Job description

Novo Nordisk is seeking a R&D External Innovation Sourcing Project Director to identify and mature external opportunities that support Novo Nordisk's preclinical and early clinical pipeline.

You will drive ecosystems, shape partnerships, and govern portfolio decisions across therapy areas, coordinating with EI, NPI, and LoB teams to deliver IND-ready assets and innovative technologies for our global R&D organization.