Role Overview for VP of R&D with a Specialty Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Vice President of Research & Development on behalf of our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing specialty pharmaceutical company located in the heart of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary scientific leader to join a forward-thinking executive team and shape the future of a company dedicated to developing and commercializing novel therapeutics for underserved patient populations.
Our client is at a pivotal stage of growth, with a promising pipeline and a strong commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. The VP of R&D will be a cornerstone of the company’s leadership, responsible for providing the strategic direction, scientific oversight, and operational leadership for all research and development activities. This role extends from early-stage discovery and preclinical development through all phases of clinical trials and regulatory submissions. You will be the driving force behind the scientific engine of the organization, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and urgency.
The ideal candidate is not just a scientist but also a strategist and a leader. You will possess a profound understanding of the entire drug development lifecycle, coupled with the business acumen to align R&D initiatives with the company’s long-term commercial objectives. You will be instrumental in building and mentoring a world-class R&D organization, empowering your teams to push the boundaries of science and deliver life-changing medicines. Operating within the vibrant Raleigh-Durham biotech hub, you will leverage the rich ecosystem of academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and industry talent to accelerate our client’s mission. This executive will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a key voice in all major strategic decisions, board meetings, and interactions with the investment community.
Key Responsibilities of VP of R&D with a Specialty Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
Strategic R&D Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive R&D strategy that aligns with the company’s corporate vision and commercial goals. You will be responsible for defining the long-term scientific direction, identifying new therapeutic opportunities, and prioritizing the development pipeline to maximize value and patient impact. This includes conducting thorough due diligence on potential in-licensing opportunities and external innovations.
Pipeline Advancement and Management
Provide executive oversight for the entire R&D portfolio, from initial target identification and validation through preclinical studies, IND-enabling activities, clinical trial design and execution (Phase I-III), and preparation of regulatory submissions (NDA/BLA). You will ensure that all programs are managed effectively, meeting critical milestones on time and within budget, while maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor and data integrity.
Team Development and Mentorship
Lead, build, and inspire a high-performing, multidisciplinary R&D organization encompassing discovery biology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical development, and regulatory affairs. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration. You will be responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier scientific talent, providing mentorship and career development opportunities to your team members.
Regulatory Strategy and Compliance
Serve as the primary R&D liaison with global regulatory agencies. You will be responsible for developing and implementing robust regulatory strategies to ensure efficient and successful product development pathways. This involves a deep understanding of and experience with navigating complex FDA regulations, as well as those of other key international health authorities. You will ensure that all R&D activities are conducted in full compliance with GxP (GLP, GCP, GMP) standards.
Budgetary and Resource Oversight
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of financial and human resources across all programs. You will be accountable for fiscal discipline, accurate forecasting, and transparent reporting on R&D expenditures. Your strategic resource planning will be critical to achieving the company’s objectives efficiently.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key collaborative partner to other members of the executive leadership team, including Commercial, Manufacturing/CMC, Business Development, and Finance. You will ensure seamless communication and integration of R&D activities with the broader organizational strategy, providing scientific insights to inform commercial assessments, manufacturing scale-up, and corporate strategy.
External Innovation and Alliances
Establish and maintain a strong network of external relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic research institutions, CROs, and potential corporate partners. You will identify and champion external collaborations and strategic alliances that can enhance the company’s internal capabilities and accelerate pipeline development.
Intellectual Property Strategy
In partnership with legal counsel, oversee the development and management of the company’s intellectual property portfolio. You will ensure that novel discoveries are protected and that the company maintains a strong and defensible patent estate for its products and platform technologies.
Requirements for the VP of R&D with a Specialty Pharma Company – Raleigh, NC
Educational Background
An advanced degree (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD) in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine) is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Senior Director, Executive Director, VP) overseeing multiple R&D functions.
Drug Development Track Record
Demonstrable success in advancing multiple drug candidates from early discovery through clinical development, with a proven track record of successful IND filings. Experience leading a program through to NDA/BLA submission and subsequent market approval is highly preferred.
Scientific and Therapeutic Expertise
Broad scientific knowledge across multiple therapeutic areas is beneficial, with deep expertise in a specific area relevant to specialty pharmaceuticals (e.g., neurology, rare diseases, immunology, dermatology) being a significant asset.
Leadership and Management Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with a proven ability to build, manage, and motivate high-performing scientific teams. Must be a strategic thinker with outstanding problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Regulatory Acumen
In-depth knowledge of the global regulatory landscape, particularly FDA and EMA requirements for drug development and approval. Direct experience interacting with regulatory agencies is essential.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of the business aspects of drug development, including budget management, resource allocation, and the financial drivers of a biotech/pharma company. Experience presenting to a board of directors and investors is highly desirable.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Superior communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) are required. Must have the ability to articulate a clear scientific and strategic vision to a wide range of audiences, from internal research teams to external partners, investors, and regulatory authorities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
- An attractive executive compensation package, including a competitive base salary and an annual performance-based bonus.
- A significant long-term incentive plan with meaningful equity (stock options) to ensure you share in the company’s success.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for candidates moving to the Raleigh, NC area.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
- Opportunities for continued professional development, including attendance at major scientific and industry conferences.
- The chance to work in a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture with a team of passionate and dedicated professionals.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical Vice President of R&D position. We invite all qualified and interested candidates to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. To apply, please forward your materials directly to our dedicated search team.
JRG Partners is a leader in connecting exceptional talent with transformative opportunities in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Learn more about our expertise in life sciences executive search and submit your application today to be considered for this exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on patient lives.
