Sourcing & Incubation Manager, China External Innovation

Scorpion Therapeutics; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks a senior leader to build and manage an external innovation sourcing network across China, collaborating with biotech firms, academics and investors. You will establish strategic relationships, lead incubator programs and drive open innovation initiatives, aligning early discovery opportunities with partnerships.

You will monitor industry trends, guide sourcing strategy, and work with global R&D stakeholders to advance opportunities toward actionable collaborations.

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.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage 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.
• Work 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.

Skills

External innovation

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Networking across startups

China biotech ecosystem

Education

PhD in Life Sciences or related field

Job description

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.
• Work 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.

Preferred Experience:

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