Associate Director, Search & Evaluation

Job Description Summary

Location: this role will be based in Cambridge, MA US.
LI-#hybrid

The Novartis Strategy & Growth, Corporate and Business Development team is seeking a new Associate Director, Search and Evaluation (S&E). This individual will report to the Head of Search & Evaluation for Platforms and AI and will play a key role in identifying and evaluating external platform technologies that align with strategic priorities across the value chain, from discovery to commercialization.

 

Job Description

Key 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 functions to drive strategic growth through partnerships, licensing, and M&A.
• Present opportunities within the global S&E team and broader C&BD 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 Business Development & Licensing 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, ensuring thorough documentation and internal alignment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to prepare materials for governance and deal execution.
• Work constructively with key stakeholders, present to internal leadership teams, and drive internal consensus on opportunities.
• Support the formal governance process and adhere to internal BD&L review standards to ensure consistency and quality in evaluations.
• Actively participate in external engagements to support branding and visibility of the S&E team.

Essential requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences required. Advanced degree (PhD, MD) is strongly preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in business development, strategy, consulting or R&D within the 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.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600.00 and $283,400.00 USD per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$152,600.00 - $283,400.00

 

Skills Desired

Alliance Management, Business Development, Collaboration, Creativity, Cross-Functional Teams, Curiosity, Customer Experience, Due Diligence, Emergency Management, Evaluation, Law (Legal System), Lifesciences, Marketing Strategy, Media Campaigns, Merchandising, Negotiation Skills, Prioritization, Sales, Scouting, Search, Selling Skills, Transactions, Waterfall Model