Search and Evaluation China Lead (Immunology)

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The Position

Roche aims to be an innovation accelerator in China, collaborating with partners to jointly develop and deliver novel therapies for patients across the world. This effort is designed to expand and deepen their collective impact on patient health.

The global I2CVRM Search & Evaluation (S&E) team, a component of Corporate Business Development (CBD), is focused on identifying and securing external innovation opportunities that strategically align with the Immunology & Infectious Diseases (I2) and Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) Therapeutic Areas (TAs).

This involves active engagement with the external innovation community, including academic institutions, venture capital firms, Roche Accelerator, KoL, PI and the startup biotech ecosystem.

The S&E team works collaboratively with internal teams (e.g. Asian partnering team) to advance opportunities from initial identification and incubation through to pre-due diligence. A key function is contributing to the translation of the I2CVRM TA's end-to-end strategy (DAS) into regional sourcing and activation plans designed to bring high-impact science into our pipeline.

We are looking to partner with pharma and biotech in China. Currently, the global I2CVRM S&E team has one Search and Evaluation China Lead  Immunology opportunity available in Shanghai.

The Opportunity

The Immunology S&E China Lead will be responsible for proactively supporting and maintaining key relationships and stakeholders (prioritized academic research centers, Roche accelerator, venture capital investors, life science and health technology incubators and start-ups) to ensure Roche is perceived as a “Partner of Choice” in their respective regions. This individual contributor will also work closely with the global S&E I2CVRM team & local Asian partnering team, to scout, triage and conduct early evaluations activities to understand the true value of further pursuit through provision of scientific expertise.

This role reports to the Global Head I2CVRM S&E who is based in Basel (CH).

Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:

• External Search: to cover the China Immunology landscape, to partner closely with the Global S&E Head to execute the sourcing strategy and engagement plan aligned with the TA end to end strategy & CBD priorities

• To lead the triage process and work closely with TA partners and CBD colleagues to conduct initial evaluations and ensure alignment with our strategic focus. To provide scientific analysis and data-driven insights in initial scientific review.

• The S&E China Immunology Lead will maintain day-to-day oversight of S&E  Immunology activities in China, with the autonomy to delegate specific landscaping, scouting or evaluation tasks to CBD team members (e.g. BDPLs from Asia partnering team) as appropriate to ensure project progression.

• Building close relationships with relevant Roche & Genentech businesses. This is to both understand/contribute to strategy/requirements and to develop the necessary internal network in order to champion new opportunities, including those that are potentially “off strategy” but where a compelling business case can be made.

• Supports the transition of identified opportunities to the Due Diligence phase via collaboration and transfer of background and scientific context to a BDPL

• Serves as an ambassador for CBD internally and externally at industry events

• The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and you may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties compatible with your experience and competencies. This description may be varied from time to time to reflect changing business requirements.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience:

• A scientific background at the doctoral level in life sciences is required. Preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, or similar) specifically in the Immunology field.

• 5+ years minimum drug development experience or relevant scientific training  with the designated therapeutic area

• Proven experience in business development, either on the sell side (biotech and biopharma) or the buy side (MNC or Biopharma) within China, is required. Alternatively, experience in pharmaceutical/biotech venture investment is acceptable.

• Leadership: Proven ability to collaborate across functions and influence project teams. Strong ability to navigate and succeed within a matrix organizational structure.

• Highly capable of articulating Roche Genentech’s value proposition and partnering interests to varied audiences both internally and externally

• Positive, can-do attitude and collaborative spirit to engage across Corporate Business Development and Roche Genentech R&D units

• Travel within China is expected, along with 2-3 trips per year to Basel/San Francisco.

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.