Associate Director, Search & Evaluation

Role Summary

Associate Director, Search & Evaluation based in Cambridge, MA. Reports to the Head of Search & Evaluation for Platforms and AI, focusing on identifying and evaluating external platform technologies aligned with strategic priorities across the value chain from discovery to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Build and analyze competitive landscapes and innovation ecosystems in strategic areas of interest to inform search priorities and opportunity assessments.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across R&D, commercial, and corporate development to drive growth through partnerships, licensing, and M&A.
• Present opportunities within the global S&E team and broader C&B team.
• Represent Novartis externally at industry conferences and meetings to build relationships and enhance visibility.
• Build and maintain a robust knowledge base of emerging platform technologies and trends.
• Deliver against the S&E organization’s BD&L strategies and plans/objectives.
• Lead the execution of search activities and ensure alignment with strategic priority targets.
• Conduct triage and due diligence on inbound opportunities, with thorough documentation and internal alignment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to prepare materials for governance and deal execution.
• Work with key stakeholders, present to internal leadership, and drive internal consensus on opportunities.
• Support the formal governance process and adhere to BD&L review standards to ensure consistency and quality in evaluations.
• Participate in external engagements to support branding and visibility of the S&E team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences required; advanced degree (PhD, MD) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, strategy, consulting, or R&D within pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Demonstrated understanding of drug discovery, clinical development, and platform technologies.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed environment.
• Experience with cross-functional stakeholder engagement and governance processes.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Skills

• Analytical thinking
• Stakeholder engagement
• Strategic development
• Governance and due diligence
• Relationship building and representation

Education

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences (required); PhD or MD preferred.