R&D External Innovation Partnerships Director

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) and retirement plans

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novo Nordisk is seeking a R&D External Innovation Sourcing Project Director to identify and mature external opportunities across NN's preclinical and early clinical pipeline. You will drive innovation ecosystems, shape partnerships, and govern project proposals from ideation to IND-ready assets.

The role involves collaborating with global R&D teams and external partners, with 10–20% travel and a focus on scalable, strategic opportunities for Novo Nordisk's LoBs.

Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical drug development experience, preferably bringing molecules from discovery to market.
• Leadership or people management experience in industry with ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong analytical skills and capability to navigate high-uncertainty scientific spaces.

Responsibilities

• Secure inflow channels and prioritize product concepts with partners.
• Develop collaboration frameworks and governance-ready proposals for external opportunities.
• Translate NPI/LoB needs into sourcing themes and project plans.
• Drive portfolio decisions to deliver INDs or implemented technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Stakeholder management

English fluent

Education

Master’s degree + 9+ years experience

Job description

Novo Nordisk is seeking a R&D External Innovation Sourcing Project Director to identify and mature external opportunities across NN's preclinical and early clinical pipeline. You will drive innovation ecosystems, shape partnerships, and govern project proposals from ideation to IND-ready assets.

The role involves collaborating with global R&D teams and external partners, with 10–20% travel and a focus on scalable, strategic opportunities for Novo Nordisk's LoBs.