ExploR&D Program Lead

Lilly-Lilly

. Serve as the single point of accountability for external collaboration projects spanning discovery, preclinical development, and clinical proof-of-concept .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $175,500 - $257,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading cross-functional collaboration projects within the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on program strategy, resource management, and budget oversight. Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific data and drive project execution while fostering high-performing teams and stakeholder alignment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project Management Certification (PMP)Cross-Functional Program LeadershipPharmaceutical Industry ExperienceScientific Data EvaluationExternal Collaboration Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program Strategy DevelopmentBudget ManagementWork Plan DevelopmentRisk/Benefit SynthesisClinical Data AnalysisTherapeutic Modalities KnowledgeProcess ImprovementResource ForecastingContract NegotiationStakeholder Consensus Building

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsTeam LeadershipProblem SolvingInfluencing Senior StakeholdersAdaptability in Ambiguity

Tools & Technologies

Contemporary Project Management ToolsProject Management Methodologies

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryPreclinical DevelopmentClinical Proof-of-ConceptCell and Gene TherapiesAntibodiesPeptidesOligonucleotidesVaccinesSmall MoleculesTranslational Sciences

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the single point of accountability for external collaboration projects spanning discovery, preclinical development, and clinical proof-of-concept
Define program strategy, forecast resource needs, and develop timelines and budgets
Lead large-scale, cross-functional programs with significant risk and complexity
Lead collaboration teams comprising ExploR&D personnel, LRL subject matter experts, and external biotech collaborators
Create high-performing teams and define program scope and executable work plans
Assist with contract negotiation and execute work plans after signature
Deliver projects on time, on budget, and within scope
Manage allocated budgets and resources for complex programs
Synthesize scientific literature, expert input, experimental data, and trial data to address key questions
Lead integration of cross-functional data, risk/benefit synthesis, strategic conclusions, and study designs
Serve as primary liaison between Lilly and external biotech collaborators
Anticipate and resolve barriers, align strategic plans, and drive collaboration success
Integrate input from regulators, vendors, customers, and other external stakeholders to guide program strategy
Contribute to diligence and workplan development
Identify process gaps and implement improvements to enhance portfolio delivery
Champion new tools, templates, and ways of working for project management excellence
Apply program insights across functions and geographic areas

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a STEM-related field
5+ years of work experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including preclinical-translational sciences and/or clinical-stage drug development
Experience across therapeutic modalities such as cell and gene therapies, antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides, vaccines, and small molecules
Recognized as an internal subject matter expert within a therapeutic or technical discipline
Deep scientific fluency across the drug discovery and development continuum
Ability to critically evaluate complex technical and clinical data
Experience with science-driven business decisions, asset strategy, portfolio management, and the pharmaceutical landscape
Ability to lead and influence teams and senior stakeholders in a matrixed environment
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Experience managing external collaborations and alliances
Ability to translate biotech partners’ needs into clear scopes of work, workplans, program execution, and deliverables
Ability to anticipate challenges, diagnose root causes, and build stakeholder consensus around creative solutions
Experience leading through ambiguity and uncertainty
Practical experience or certification in project management, such as PMP or equivalent
Experience with contemporary project management tools and methodologies
Proven ability to forecast resource needs, manage budgets, and deliver large-scale cross-functional programs on time, on budget, and within scope
Experience developing work plans and supporting contract negotiation
Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence and process improvement

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company bonus depending partly 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
Disability accommodation support during the application process