Associate Vice President – External Innovation, Immunology

Eli Lilly and Company

. Own external innovation strategy across Lilly's full Immunology portfolio .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $247,500 - $363,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in external innovation strategy within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in Immunology, with a strong focus on leading high-value deals and managing cross-functional teams. Possesses a solid scientific background and business acumen to drive portfolio strategy and commercialization efforts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

External Innovation StrategyImmunology ExpertiseDeal StructuringTeam LeadershipStakeholder Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Drug DiscoveryPortfolio StrategyScientific Due DiligenceMarket AssessmentFinancial AnalysisStrategic PlanningHigh-Value Deal ExecutionCompetitive AnalysisVenture Capital InteractionsNew Company Creation

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInfluencing SkillsCoaching and DevelopmentStakeholder AlignmentTeam Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Ph.D. in Relevant ScienceMBA (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryBiotechHealthcare ConsultingImmunologyCorporate Business DevelopmentTransaction TeamsEmerging TechnologiesPortfolio TrendsSpinout ManagementMatrix Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own external innovation strategy across Lilly's full Immunology portfolio
Cover all indications of interest within Immunology and whitespace and adjacency expansion in immunology-related areas
Set external innovation strategy with senior management
Supervise and lead partnering projects from opportunity identification through deal completion
Drive the Immunology external innovation agenda through high-value deals and portfolio impact
Serve as the single point of contact with Corporate Business Development, the Business Unit, and senior Lilly Research Labs leadership
Develop and lead the broader Immunology External Innovation team
Own and develop therapeutic-area external portfolio and innovation strategy
Identify, search, assess, and triage external innovation and collaboration opportunities and partners
Define landscapes, investment theses, concept sheets, competitive frames, and go/no-go criteria
Lead technical evaluations and in-depth scientific due diligence
Consolidate assessments into recommendations and prepare management decks
Collaborate on deal structure and progression to close
Build organizational conviction behind priority opportunities and align stakeholders
Translate scientific and strategic theses into initial deal constructs and lead early commercial conversations
Maintain scientific and competitive knowledge across internal projects, external opportunities, emerging assets, and platforms
Represent Lilly's priorities externally through industry roundtables, presentations, and networks
Represent External Innovation in relevant lead team and senior management meetings
Supervise, coach, and develop Immunology External Innovation team members

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's and/or higher degree in a relevant area of Science and/or healthcare
8+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, or ventures, including 5+ years of experience in external innovation across multiple areas
2+ years supervisory experience required
Proven track record of successfully leading a high-performing team
Strong scientific background in the area of interest, with accomplishments in drug discovery or development
Understanding of unmet need, target landscape, emerging technologies, competition, and portfolio trends
Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant area of science highly preferred
MBA degree is a plus
Strong understanding of strategic and financial considerations underlying deal priorities and partner considerations
Working knowledge of a wide variety of deal structures
Proven ability to define and develop new strategic areas
Proven track record of leading and driving high-value deals and transaction teams across innovation acquisitions, multitarget platforms, co-development, newco/asset creation, and equity investments
Strong business acumen across drug development, portfolio strategy, and commercialization
Ability to drive deals in a matrix environment across science, business, finance, legal, and Corporate Business Development
High ability in managing stakeholders across levels and functions and influencing people and organization
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to set strategy and progress a portfolio of deals with minimal guidance
Experience in new company creation, venture capital interactions, healthcare consulting, or spinout management
Experience and knowledge in Immunology and other relevant areas
Travel availability of 30%–50%, including OUS

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending on company and individual performance
Company-sponsored 401(k)
Pension
Vacation benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts
Life insurance and death benefits
Time off and leave of absence benefits
Well-being benefits, including employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities
Employee resource groups and support networks