Corporate Business Development (CBD) Search & Assessment China Lead

We currently have an outstanding opportunity to join our Corporate Business Development (CBD) team as an Associate Director or Director, Search & Assessment, to support the development of Lundbeck’s pipeline through identifying and accessing new innovative growth opportunities from within the China eco-system.

Background to the Role

The global CBD Search & Assessment team is dedicated to helping to build Lundbeck’s corporate pipeline, through identifying high quality external opportunities that can be accessed through R&D collaborations, partnerships, licensing and M&A. This role provides a unique opportunity to influence and execute on the strategic ambitions of Lundbeck, accelerate the transition into new areas within neuroscience and drive our mission to become a Focused Innovator.

The Search & Assessment China Lead will serve as the frontline representative and “drug hunter” for Lundbeck BD in China, responsible for identifying, assessing and advancing opportunities across the spectrum of development stages - from early-stage (preclinical to Ph1) to late-stage clinical and commercial. The objective of this role is to systematically generate high-quality opportunities from China pharma, biotech and academic sources that can drive deal flow which will translate into building Lundbeck’s global pipeline.

In this role, you will act as:

• A first strategic and scientific filter of China-originated/China-relevant opportunities
• An independent evaluator of assets across development stages
• A relationship builder and key external representative across biotech, VC, academia, and the broader CNS innovation ecosystem in China
• The eyes, ears and voice of Lundbeck in the China innovation landscape

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively search for, identify and evaluate innovative neuroscience opportunities that can complement the Lu portfolio portfolio, across all R&D and commercial stages.

• Independently assess the strategic fit, commercial potential and technical quality of assets ahead of global BD, R&D and commercial engagement.
• Provide project leadership on BD opportunities that are being assessed for scientific and commercial attractiveness in China.
• Collaborate with HQ CBD and China Commercial Excellence team on local assessments and business case development.

• Build a comprehensive and effective external network within the China eco-system, to ensure early visibility and access to emerging innovation.

• Work closely with HQ CBD and the China affiliate to position Lundbeck as a partner of choice in the China neuroscience innovation eco-system.
• Represent Lundbeck at industry forums, partnering events, and other engagements, in China, communicating our strategy, while strengthening our visibility and reputation
• Prepare high-quality evaluation materials to support internal decision-making.

• Track and interpret the latest trends in neuroscience advancements, staying abreast of the spectrum of partnership opportunities in the industry and the local China eco-system.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in life sciences (or CNS-relevant Medical Doctor degree).
• Strong ability to independently evaluate neuroscience assets and technologies.
• Bring a combination of strong scientific depth and sound business judgment to reviews.
• Preference for BD relevant experience in the life sciences sector, including experience with evaluating business opportunities, particularly in the China region. 
• Demonstrated ability to build productive networks and source opportunities in China and experience of operating within the China eco-system.
• Experienced project leader, able to manage parallel projects with high exposure to senior management, both locally and at a global level.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all layers of management.
• Strategic mindset and ability to engage the organization and clearly articulate the value proposition for diverse and changing business opportunities in China. 
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, proven ability to develop relationships with internal stakeholders and industry partners.  
• Possess a personal motivation, a positive can-do mindset, instils trust, is outgoing and enjoys working in a busy, hands on, demanding and team-based environment.

• CNS background and experience is preferred.
• Fluency in English, oral and written, is required.

Your future team 

You will become part of an experienced corporate business development team and be responsible for leading cross-functional teams that evaluate business opportunities from early to late stage independent of deal structure. You will scout for external opportunities; lead scientific due diligences; conduct commercial assessments; build internal and external relationships and be an ambassador with respect to executing Lundbeck’s growth aspirations to become ’the partner of choice’ for neuroscience within the biopharmaceutical industry. At all times, the team will be exploring a pipeline of BD opportunities through a well-established stage-gated assessment process and ensuring cross-functional alignment. The BD team in Lundbeck consist of 15 people, with the majority of your colleagues located in corporate HQ in Copenhagen, Denmark. The BD&L Search & Assessment team work closely with colleagues across BD for commercial assessments, valuations and negotiations when maturing BD cases. Most of the Executive Management and our R&D organization is also located in Copenhagen.