JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering specialty pharmaceutical company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Based in the vibrant biopharma hub of Princeton, NJ, our client is dedicated to developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with unmet medical needs. They have built a reputation for scientific excellence, a patient-centric culture, and a dynamic pipeline of novel candidates. We are currently seeking a transformative and visionary leader to join their executive team as the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Research & Development.
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a growing organization and make a profound impact on global health. The successful candidate will be a strategic architect of the company’s scientific future, steering the entire R&D engine from early discovery through to global regulatory approval and beyond. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will not only lead a talented group of scientists and clinicians but also play a pivotal role in corporate strategy, business development, and investor relations. This position demands a leader who can inspire innovation, drive for results, and navigate the complex, ever-evolving landscape of drug development.
Role Overview for EVP, Research & Development with a Specialty Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
The EVP of Research & Development is a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This individual will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s entire research and development portfolio, providing strategic direction, scientific oversight, and operational leadership. You will be tasked with building and nurturing a world-class R&D organization, fostering a culture of relentless innovation, scientific curiosity, and rigorous execution. Your leadership will be critical in driving the existing pipeline forward while simultaneously identifying and integrating new assets and technologies to ensure long-term growth and market leadership.
This role demands a unique blend of deep scientific expertise, particularly in areas such as immunology, oncology, or rare diseases, coupled with astute business acumen and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into tangible corporate value. You will be the chief scientific voice of the company, interacting with the Board of Directors, investors, regulatory bodies, and the broader scientific community to champion the company’s R&D vision and achievements. This executive will be accountable for setting the scientific vision, managing a significant budget, and ensuring that the R&D organization operates at the highest levels of efficiency, quality, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Research & Development with a Specialty Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that is fully aligned with the company’s long-term corporate goals. Proactively identify and champion new scientific and technological opportunities, including novel therapeutic targets, platform technologies, and drug modalities. Lead the long-range planning process for R&D, establishing a 5-10 year roadmap that anticipates industry trends and maintains a competitive edge. Serve as an influential member of the executive leadership team, providing critical scientific input into all major corporate decisions, including portfolio management, business development, and financial planning.
Pipeline Management & Execution
Assume full accountability for the entire drug development lifecycle, from target identification and validation through preclinical studies, all phases of clinical development (Phase I-IV), and successful global regulatory submissions. Implement and oversee robust governance and project management processes to ensure all programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Lead rigorous portfolio reviews to prioritize projects based on scientific merit, clinical feasibility, commercial potential, and strategic alignment, making data-driven decisions on program advancement or termination.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, multi-disciplinary R&D organization encompassing discovery research, translational medicine, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs. Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier scientific and medical talent. Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and development plans for the R&D team, ensuring alignment and accountability across all functions. Champion a culture of scientific rigor, open communication, and continuous learning.
Regulatory & Compliance Excellence
Provide strategic oversight for all global regulatory activities, ensuring that development programs are designed to meet the requirements of key health authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and others. Act as the senior executive liaison with regulatory agencies, leading critical interactions and negotiations. Ensure that all R&D activities are conducted in strict adherence to GxP standards, ethical guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations, fostering a culture of unwavering compliance and quality.
External Innovation & Partnerships
Establish and execute a strategy for external innovation to supplement the internal pipeline. Actively identify, evaluate, and champion external assets and opportunities, including in-licensing deals, strategic partnerships, academic collaborations, and potential acquisitions. Build and maintain a strong global network of relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic centers of excellence, biotech innovators, and contract research organizations (CROs). Represent the company with distinction at major scientific conferences, investor events, and in partnership discussions.
Financial & Operational Management
Develop, justify, and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and human resources across the portfolio to maximize return on investment. Drive operational excellence and efficiency across all R&D functions, implementing best practices and innovative solutions to streamline processes and reduce development timelines. Provide regular, transparent updates on R&D progress, milestones, and expenditures to the CEO, Board of Directors, and investors.
Requirements for the EVP, Research & Development with a Specialty Pharma Co. – Princeton, NJ
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) in a relevant life sciences discipline is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President or higher) overseeing multiple R&D functions.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in advancing multiple drug candidates from early discovery through to regulatory approval and successful commercial launch. A history of building and leading high-performing R&D organizations is essential.
Therapeutic Area Expertise
Deep scientific and clinical development expertise in one or more areas relevant to specialty pharmaceuticals, such as oncology, immunology, neurology, rare diseases, or cardiovascular medicine.
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive experience interacting with global regulatory agencies and a thorough understanding of the FDA’s drug development and approval process, as well as equivalent processes in Europe and other key markets. Proven experience in leading the preparation and submission of major regulatory filings (e.g., INDs, NDAs, BLAs).
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. A visionary leader with the ability to inspire and motivate large, diverse teams. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific information clearly to a variety of audiences, from scientists to investors.
Business & Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of the commercial aspects of drug development, including market analysis, competitive intelligence, and intellectual property. Experience in managing multi-million dollar budgets and making sound financial decisions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options and/or RSUs) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents with low employee contributions. A robust wellness program, including fitness reimbursements and mental health resources.
Retirement & Financial Security
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a significant company match and immediate vesting to help you secure your financial future. Access to executive financial planning services.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and comprehensive parental leave policies to support you and your family.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your professional development, with support for attending major scientific and industry conferences, continuing education, and memberships in professional organizations.
Relocation
A comprehensive executive relocation assistance package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this executive search. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for science and a track record of success, we invite you to apply for this transformative opportunity.
To be considered, please submit your curriculum vitae and a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can lead the next wave of innovation for our client.
