Associate Director Business Development Search and Evaluation (Oncology)

LG Chem Life Sciences USA is looking for an Associate Director of Search & Evaluation to be a key driver in LG/AVEO’s oncology external research and innovation strategy, leading efforts to identify novel therapeutic assets and platform, and cultivate, and advance external research collaborations and scientific partnerships. Reporting to the Senior Director Business Development, you will play a critical role in shaping the company’s external R&D strategy and advancing LG/AVEO’s mission to make life better for people with cancer. Your ability to build high-value scientific partnerships and translate external innovation into impactful oncology programs will directly influence the long-term success of the pipeline. This position is based in our office in Boston, MA.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Responsibilities):

• Closely collaborate with R&D to facilitate the development and execution of an External Research & Development strategy that contributes to the company’s oncology pipeline, scientific objectives, and long-term vision
• Identify and evaluate novel therapeutic assets and platform technologies, and establish external research collaborations, academic partnerships, and strategic scientific alliances, as appropriate.
• Lead end-to-end scientific evaluation and diligence of external oncology research and early clinical opportunities, including target biology, modality, and translational potential
• Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, Clinical, Commercial, Regulatory) to conduct in-depth due diligence, ensuring high-quality, data-driven decisions.
• Develop and present comprehensive business cases, evaluations, and recommendations (go/no-go) to senior leadership and governance committees.
• Execute external innovation and scientific intelligence efforts by staying informed of emerging oncology research, competitive landscape, and technology trends
• Build and expand LG Chem’s external scientific network through engagement with academic investigators, biotech partners, and key opinion leaders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE (BASIC QUALIFICATIONS):

• PhD in a Life Sciences discipline, with focus on Oncology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development, with at least 5 years of experience in R&D Business development or equivalent role in Oncology
• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing external research collaborations, academic partnerships, or early-stage biotech engagements
• Deep understanding of oncology drug discovery and development, including translational research and early development considerations
• Strong scientific judgment with the ability to evaluate external research opportunities and inform R&D strategy
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage scientific, clinical, and senior leadership stakeholders
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and emotional intelligence to operate effectively in a matrixed environment
• Self-motivated and driven, with the ability to manage multiple external initiatives independently
• Analytical mindset with a focus on scientific rigor, data-driven decision making, and problem solving