Director, External Innovation, Neuroscience

Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson · Pharma · Cambridge, MA +1

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Director, External Innovation, Neuroscience to identify and secure external licensing and collaboration opportunities to enhance their internal discovery efforts in Neuroscience. The role involves working cross-functionally to assess and shape external opportunities, manage a pipeline of assets, and engage with external partners in biotech, pharma, and academia. The position requires a PhD in Neuroscience research or significant pharmaceutical R&D experience, a strong track record in drug discovery, and expertise in neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, or ophthalmology diseases.

What you'd actually do

  1. Acts as an experienced drug hunter who can identify external opportunities that are aligned with our Disease Area Strongholds in Neuroscience. Specifically, Neurodegeneration, Neuropsychiatry and Ophthalmology
  2. Work cross-functionally to identify, source, prioritize, and lead scientific assessment of external opportunities that could be leveraged for licensing, joint development, investment opportunities (i.e. JJDC), and strategic alliances
  3. Ability to shape our External Innovation Strategy and deliver innovative ideas that use internal (e.g. ESI or BD) and external connections (e.g. biotech, pharma, and academia) to demonstrate your ability to anticipate the evolution of the marketplace and competition
  4. Ensure an available pool of assets across all early phases through business model creation, innovation acquisition and collaborations as well as lead initiatives to shape external opportunities e.g. quick fire challenges
  5. Scientific credibility to lead interactions with senior leaders at governance meetings, venture, academic research centers, and other external parties

Skills

Required

  • PhD degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience in Neuroscience research or 7 years of demonstrable experience in Pharmaceutical R&D
  • Demonstrated track record in drug discovery
  • Demonstrated expertise in Neurodegeneration, Neuropsychiatry, and/or Ophthalmology
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong internal and external networks
  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision to meet tight deadlines

Nice to have

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Appetite for innovation
  • Keen attention to detail and organization
  • Sense of purpose and drive
  • Passion to address the considerable unmet medical need in Neuroscience

What the JD emphasized

  • Demonstrated track record in drug discovery
  • Demonstrated expertise in Neurodegeneration, Neuropsychiatry, and/or Ophthalmology
  • Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision to meet tight deadlines