Sourcing & Incubation Manager, China External Innovation

Novo Nordisk; Shanghai (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk seeks an accomplished innovation professional to lead external innovation sourcing and ecosystem engagement in China, building a broad network across academia, biotech, venture capital, incubators and the life science ecosystem to identify breakthrough opportunities for future R&D pipelines.

The role includes leading incubator and open innovation programs in China, leveraging partnerships and startup engagement to generate high-quality early-stage opportunities and to drive the

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences or related field.
• 8+ years experience in biotech/pharma R&D, business development, venture investment, or external innovation.
• Strong knowledge of China's biotech and innovation ecosystem.
• Proven ability to build influential networks across startups, academia, investors and industry.
• Understanding of drug discovery and development processes from target identification to preclinical candidate selection.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage Novo Nordisk's external innovation sourcing network across China.
• Establish strategic relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, investors, incubators and accelerators.
• Lead China-based incubator and open innovation programs, including ecosystem partnerships, opportunity sourcing and startup engagement.
• Drive innovation challenges, open calls, roadshows and ecosystem outreach activities to strengthen Novo Nordisk's presence within the innovation community.
• Work closely with global and local R&D stakeholders to advance opportunities from discovery to partnership discussions.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive intelligence and emerging innovation hubs to inform sourcing strategy.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Networking

Project management

Education

PhD or equivalent in Life Sciences/Biotech/Pharmacology/Drug Discovery/Medicine

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking an accomplished and highly connected innovation professional to lead external innovation sourcing and ecosystem engagement in China. This role is responsible for building and managing Novo Nordisk's external innovation network across academia, biotech, venture capital, incubators and the broader life science ecosystem to identify breakthrough opportunities that can drive future R&D pipelines.

About The Role

We are seeking an accomplished and highly connected innovation professional to lead external innovation sourcing and ecosystem engagement in China. This role is responsible for building and managing Novo Nordisk's external innovation network across academia, biotech, venture capital, incubators and the broader life science ecosystem to identify breakthrough opportunities that can drive future R&D pipelines.

In addition to sourcing and ecosystem development, the role will lead Novo Nordisk's incubator and open innovation programs in China, leveraging strategic partnerships, innovation challenges and startup engagement to generate a continuous flow of high-quality early-stage opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage Novo Nordisk's external innovation sourcing network across China.
• Establish strategic relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, investors, incubators and accelerators.
• Lead China-based incubator and open innovation programs, including ecosystem partnerships, opportunity sourcing and startup engagement.
• Drive innovation challenges, open calls, roadshows and ecosystem outreach activities to strengthen Novo Nordisk's presence within the innovation community.
• Work closely with global and local R&D stakeholders to advance promising opportunities from early discovery through partnership discussions.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive intelligence and emerging innovation hubs to inform sourcing strategy.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Drug Discovery, Medicine or related field.
• 8+ years experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, business development, venture investment, innovation scouting, alliance management or external innovation.
• Strong knowledge of China's biotech and innovation ecosystem.
• Demonstrated ability to build influential networks across startups, academia, investors and industry stakeholders.
• Understanding of drug discovery and development processes from target identification through preclinical candidate selection.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and strategic thinking capabilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with incubators, accelerators, venture capital or startup ecosystems.
• Experience in external innovation, partnering, licensing or alliance management.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.

What Success Looks Like

You will help position Novo Nordisk as a preferred partner within China's life science ecosystem while building a sustainable pipeline of innovative opportunities through ecosystem partnerships, incubator programs and strategic sourcing activities. Your work will directly contribute to identifying the next generation of breakthrough science and future pipeline opportunities.

Working conditions

• Based in Shanghai
• Up to ~20% travel, primarily within China, as required for partner and project engagement

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and preventing diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.