Vice President Research And Development

Skills Alliance; United States; Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company is seeking a Vice President of Research & Development to oversee the scientific strategy and R&D teams. The candidate should possess a PhD in biomedical sciences and have over 15 years of industry experience. This strategic role includes collaborating with cross-functional teams and leads to a clear growth path towards Chief Scientific Officer, with a hybrid work arrangement and some travel involved. Apply now for an impactful position in a Series A biotech firm.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D, with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead distributed teams across sites and time zones.
• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop and execute scientific strategy and portfolio planning.
• Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders. AI/ML experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the scientific strategy and roadmap for the organization.
• Oversee R&D teams across multiple global sites.
• Lead resource allocation and budget prioritization to maximize impact.
• Build and professionalize the R&D organization.
• Partner with leaders in data science and AI/ML.
• Represent science function at executive level with external partners.

Skills

Leadership in biotechnology R&D

Cross-functional team management

Strategic scientific planning

Communication with stakeholders

Experience in AI/ML

Education

PhD or MD/PhD in biomedical sciences

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Vice President Research & Development - CSO Track

Location: Hybrid - 25% Travel

Skills Alliance have been retained by a Series A biotechnology company on the search for a VP R&D.

The Role

As Vice President of R&D you will join the executive leadership team and serve as the most senior scientific voice in the organization. This is a strategic, high-impact role responsible for shaping the scientific roadmap, scaling global R&D operations, and leading a multidisciplinary team.

This role has a clear growth path to Chief Scientific Officer as the company enters its next stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the scientific strategy and roadmap for the organization, translating vision into executable programs.
• Oversee R&D teams across multiple global sites, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Lead resource allocation, budgeting, and program prioritization to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Build and professionalize the R&D organization implementing systems, processes, and accountability measures to support scale.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in data science and AI/ML to accelerate discovery.
• Represent the science function at the executive level and in strategic discussions with external partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD in biomedical sciences, or related field.
• 15+ years’ experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical R&D, with significant leadership experience in early-stage drug discovery.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional, distributed teams across sites and time zones.
• Track record of developing and executing scientific strategy, including program and portfolio planning.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in AI/ML-enabled research is a plus but not required.

How to Apply

Apply below or send a copy of your resume to [e-mail]

Job details

• Seniority level: Executive
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research