Director, Market Research

Overview of Role:

The Director of Market Research will lead the strategy, and execution of market research launch activities to inform commercialization strategy. This role is critical to shaping our understanding of customer needs, competitive dynamics, brand performance, and market opportunities in the pharmaceutical space. The Director of Market Research will report to the Executive Director of Market Research. This role will serve as a key strategic advisor to the commercial team.

This position plays  a critical role as Summit’s commercialization of ivonescimab, shaping positioning, evidence strategy, and launch readiness. This role is ideal for a strategic, Oncology‑focused insights leader who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑visibility environments and wants to shape the launch of a potential first‑in‑class therapy. Success in this role will be defined by delivering insight that directly shapes brand strategy, launch readiness, and executive decision-making across Summit’s Oncology portfolio.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute forward-looking, integrated market research insights in line and launch strategy and commercialization goals
• Deliver actionable insights on customer behavior, unmet needs, market trends, and brand performance
• Translate complex data into clear, concise, and impactful recommendations for stakeholders
• Partner with commercial, brand, access, HEOR, medical affairs teams to shape launch strategies using evidence-based insights
• Provide input into forecasting, segmentation, positioning, and go-to-market planning.
• Ensure research practices comply with regulatory standards, industry guidelines, and internal policies
• Promote innovation and adoption of emerging methodologies, technologies, AI and analytics tools
• All other duties as assigned.

Experience, Education and Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced degree in Business, Marketing, Life Sciences, or a related field (MBA, MS, or PhD preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in market research, insights, or commercial analytics within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Deep experience in Oncology, preferably including Immuno‑Oncology and late‑stage or launch‑phase assets; prior launch experience strongly preferred.
• Strong ability and desire to utilize varied AI Tools to improve the research process and/or eliminate the need for certain research using AI (reduce time/cost, gain speed)
• Proven ability to design, lead, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research across the product lifecycle, including landscape assessments, positioning, message development, customer insights, and forecasting support.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to triangulate insights across multiple data sources and translate complexity into clear, unbiased, and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to present insights to senior leaders with appropriate context and caveats.
• Solid understanding of Oncology market dynamics, customer behavior, and marketing principles across multiple solid tumor types.
• Experience working with external vendors and familiarity with modern research methodologies, statistical approaches, and emerging analytics and AI‑enabled tools.
• Strong project management skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to align stakeholders on research objectives upfront.
• Ability to work onsite in Princeton, NJ 4 days per week