MSD in the UK
Director, Business Development & Licensing – Search & Evaluation for Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Respiratory & Metabolism, Europe Hub, London
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Director, Business Development & Licensing – Search & Evaluation
Location: Moorgate, London (Hybrid, requiring onsite presence 2 days per week)
About the Role
The Search & Evaluation (S&E) team is a vital component of our Global Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) organisation. The team focuses on identifying and evaluating external partnering opportunities that align with our Research & Development and Business Development & Licensing strategies.
The role includes collaborating with biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, venture firms, and other industry stakeholders to explore collaborations, licensing, and acquisitions of assets—spanning early-stage discovery to late-stage development or approved therapies.
You will serve as a key contributor to our European-based Business Development & Licensing efforts, specialising in search, evaluation, due diligence, and deal execution across four critical therapeutic areas:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases & Vaccines
- Respiratory
- Metabolism
What You Will Do
Core Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate, and execute business development opportunities in Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Respiratory, and Metabolism, with a focus on cutting-edge science across all development stages and modalities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to assess and secure internal support for potential business development opportunities.
- Lead deep scientific due diligence, ensuring the quality of formal outputs and integrating internal subject matter expert input for senior management review and approval.
- Work closely with transaction leads, legal, commercial, and financial teams to prioritise and advance key deals.
- Contribute to strategic business development planning in Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Respiratory, and Metabolism, including discovery and clinical development decision-making.
- Align with preclinical, clinical, and commercial teams, as well as corporate business development colleagues, ensuring seamless coordination with pipeline activities.
- Coordinate globally with Search & Evaluation colleagues to maintain comprehensive coverage of potential opportunities.
- Provide timely, thorough assessments to senior management for efficient collaboration and deal execution.
- Manage a portfolio of complex business development projects, serving as the primary scientific contact for licensing deals, acquisitions, collaborations, co-development partnerships, and strategic alliances.
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Education
- Required:
- PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a life sciences discipline, preferably in Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Respiratory, or Metabolism.
Experience
Required
- Substantial biopharmaceutical industry experience (or comparable role, e.g., management consulting, equity research, university technology transfer).
- Proven expertise in Search & Evaluation business development roles.
- Strong track record of identifying, evaluating, and executing impactful business development deals and partnerships.
- Deep understanding of drug discovery & development, with broad knowledge of the biopharmaceutical industry and therapeutic areas:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases & Vaccines
- Respiratory
- Metabolism
- Strong grasp of industry trends, competitive landscape, and business acumen; ability to translate scientific data into compelling business opportunities.
Preferred
- Direct experience in mergers & acquisitions, licensing, or strategic partnerships within the biopharma sector.
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Skills & Competencies
Key Traits
- High-energy self-starter with a strong work ethic, able to thrive in a fast-paced, intellectual environment.
- Cross-functional leadership & collaboration, including conflict resolution, project management, and negotiation.
- Ability to build effective alliances and forge relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Autonomy in strategic decision-making, with end-to-end deal execution from sourcing to close.
- Executive presence, capable of earning trust and respect across research, development, and senior management.
- Advanced presentation & communication skills, influencing varied audiences (colleagues, scientific leaders, financial partners, executives).
- Exceptional organisation and operational skills, with the ability to process and document partner interactions.
- Balanced multitasking while maintaining focus on critical, high-visibility projects.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative with diverse teams.
** bản Company Culture**
Our success relies on integrity, knowledge, imagination, and collective effort. We foster an inclusive culture of respect, encouragement, and teamwork, enabling global collaboration and career growth.
Additional Notes
- Visa sponsorship available.
- Hybrid work arrangement (2 days onsite).
- Current employees: apply [HERE]
- Contingent workers: apply [HERE]
- Search firm representatives: kindly review our guidance (no unsolicited referrals without agreement).
Closing Notes
- This job posting is effective until 11:59 PM on the day before 07/13/2026.
- Apply no later than the day before the close date for consideration.
Requisition ID: R404402
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