Director, External Innovations (MD)

Role Summary

Director, External Innovations (MD) based in Cambridge, US. Full-time role reporting to the VP, External Innovations. Responsible for generating new ideas, evaluating external innovation opportunities, and implementing clinical strategies in an entrepreneurial team to deliver valuable deals to BioNTech. Requires strong scientific judgment, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and a commitment to develop new oncology treatments.

Responsibilities

• Work on clinical trial design of potential collaboration programs from early to late stage development, including data interpretation based on deep scientific and disease biology understanding, translational expertise, and medical knowledge.
• Collaborate with Clinical Development to develop clinical development plans for various collaborations and support development of clinical strategies and protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize preclinical/clinical data, scientific literature, and other technical information.
• Identify highly promising external innovations for potential development at BioNTech.
• Interact with target companies to explore collaboration opportunities.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders (clinical development, legal, IP, alliance management, collaboration partners, etc.) in a collaborative and transparent manner.
• Attend conferences, presentations, and symposiums to identify promising opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; strong preference for MD with clinical Oncology background (or equivalent advanced degree).
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in Oncology within the biotech/pharmaceutical industry.
• Understanding of clinical and scientific methods in clinical development from FIH to registration; regulatory experience a plus.
• Experience contributing to trial designs and protocols; ability to plan clinical activities based on CDP guidance and translate them into trial designs.
• Experience collaborating and communicating with external collaboration partners.
• Subject matter expertise in drug development and a genuine interest in driving innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong data-searching and analytical skills; ability to synthesize large data sets into tangible recommendations for senior management.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment; independent and collaborative across functions.
• Impeccable integrity, strong work ethic, organized and detail-oriented with multi-tasking ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skills

• Clinical development planning
• Translational science
• Data interpretation and synthesis
• External collaboration and partnership management
• Strategic thinking and unmet medical need awareness

Education

• Bachelor’s degree; MD preferred with oncology clinical background (or equivalent advanced degree).

Additional Requirements

• Not explicitly listing travel or physical demands beyond standard expectations; role implies collaboration with external partners and attendance at conferences.