R&D External Innovation Director

About the role

Servier seeks a Senior Director, External Innovation, Japan to lead engagement with the Japanese life‑sciences ecosystem, identify innovative therapeutic assets and technology opportunities, and align them with global R&D and Business Development priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a Japan External Innovation plan aligned with Servier’s global roadmaps.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with academic institutions, biotechs, pharma companies, venture funds and innovation bodies.
• Identify and qualify therapeutic assets, collaborations and technologies, and feed them into Servier’s global evaluation process.
• Act as the local liaison for Global Business Development, providing intelligence and supporting partner meetings and negotiations.
• Coordinate cross‑functional alignment with R&D, clinical, regulatory, commercial and affiliate stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on the Japanese scientific landscape, opportunity funnel and progress against objectives.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Medicine or related field (PhD or MD preferred).
• 12+ years experience in pharmaceutical R&D, biotech, external innovation, technology transfer or life‑sciences Business Development.
• Proven ability to assess scientific opportunities and translate them into partnering recommendations.
• Established network across the Japanese life‑sciences ecosystem.
• Native‑level Japanese and full professional fluency in English.

Required skills

• Japanese (native proficiency)
• English (full professional proficiency)