Role Overview for VP of R&D with a Global Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive search for a transformative Vice President of Research & Development on behalf of our client, a distinguished global pharmaceutical company at the forefront of medical innovation. This pivotal executive leadership role, based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of therapeutic development and directly impact patient lives worldwide. We are seeking a visionary scientific leader with a profound understanding of the drug discovery and development process, coupled with an exceptional track record of building and mentoring high-performance R&D teams.
As the VP of R&D, you will be the strategic architect of the company’s entire discovery and early-stage development portfolio. You will be entrusted with fostering a culture of scientific excellence, relentless innovation, and collaborative success. Your leadership will extend across multiple therapeutic areas, guiding talented teams of scientists and researchers from initial target identification and validation through to IND submission and early clinical proof-of-concept. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall corporate strategy and ensuring that the R&D engine is powerfully aligned with the company’s long-term commercial and clinical objectives.
This is more than a job; it is a career-defining role for an individual driven by the challenge of solving complex biological problems and translating groundbreaking science into life-changing medicines. You will have the autonomy, resources, and executive support to build a world-class R&D organization. Your strategic decisions will determine the direction of the company’s pipeline for years to come, making this a position of immense influence and responsibility. Located within the prestigious Research Triangle Park (RTP), you will be immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for pharmaceutical research, with unparalleled opportunities for collaboration with leading academic institutions and biotech innovators.
Key Responsibilities of VP of R&D with a Global Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
The Vice President of R&D will have a broad and impactful remit, responsible for the strategic direction, operational execution, and overall success of the company’s research and development functions. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Vision and R&D Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that is fully integrated with the company’s corporate vision. Proactively identify emerging scientific trends, novel technologies, and new therapeutic opportunities to build a robust and differentiated pipeline. Champion a culture of innovation, urgency, and scientific rigor across the entire organization.
Pipeline and Portfolio Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire discovery and preclinical portfolio. Lead the evaluation of internal and external opportunities, making critical go/no-go decisions based on rigorous scientific data, competitive intelligence, and strategic fit. Ensure the timely advancement of high-potential programs toward clinical development.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, lead, and mentor a world-class, multi-disciplinary R&D team. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier scientific talent. Provide scientific guidance, career development, and mentorship to directors and senior scientists.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
Serve as the primary R&D liaison to the executive team, Board of Directors, and external partners. Forge strong, collaborative relationships with leaders in Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing/CMC, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless transitions of programs from research to clinical development and eventual commercialization.
Fiscal and Operational Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and human resources to priority projects. Implement best practices for project management, operational efficiency, and data integrity to maximize the productivity and impact of the R&D organization.
Innovation and External Partnerships
Drive external innovation strategy by identifying and evaluating potential licensing, acquisition, and collaboration opportunities with academic institutions, biotech companies, and other strategic partners. Represent the company at scientific conferences, building a strong network and enhancing the company’s scientific reputation.
Regulatory and Quality Compliance
Ensure all research and preclinical development activities are conducted in full compliance with global regulatory standards, including GLP, and internal quality guidelines. Oversee the preparation of the non-clinical sections of regulatory submissions, such as INDs and CTAs, in partnership with the Regulatory Affairs team.
Requirements for the VP of R&D with a Global Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and strategic leader with a deep scientific background and a proven history of success in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
An M.D., Ph.D., or Pharm.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology) is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles overseeing multi-disciplinary R&D teams and functions.
Scientific Acumen
Deep expertise and a strong publication record in one or more therapeutic areas relevant to the company’s focus (e.g., oncology, immunology, neurology, rare diseases). A demonstrated ability to critically evaluate science and make data-driven decisions is essential.
Drug Development Expertise
A proven track record of successfully advancing multiple drug candidates from discovery into and through early clinical development. Mastery of the entire comprehensive drug development lifecycle, from target validation to IND-enabling studies.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth understanding of the global regulatory landscape, including direct experience with FDA and EMA interactions and filings. A thorough knowledge of GLP and other relevant guidelines is mandatory.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Exceptional ability to align scientific initiatives with business objectives. Experience with portfolio analysis, budget management, and due diligence for business development opportunities is highly desirable.
Leadership Competencies
Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. A proven ability to inspire and motivate teams, manage complexity, influence stakeholders at all levels, and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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, including:
- A highly competitive base salary and significant annual performance-based bonus.
- Meaningful long-term incentives, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs).
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- A comprehensive executive relocation package to the Raleigh, NC area.
- Generous funding for professional development, including executive coaching, conference attendance, and continuing education.
- Access to company-sponsored wellness programs and other executive perquisites.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary R&D leader with the passion and experience to drive the next wave of therapeutic innovation, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. This is a chance to join a world-class organization and make a lasting impact on the future of medicine.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences sector. We specialize in connecting transformative leaders with innovative companies that are changing the world. To express your interest in this confidential search, please submit your CV and a cover letter for our immediate consideration. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit our Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical practice area.
All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
