Associate Director – ExploR&D External Partnering – China

Associate Director – ExploR&D External Partnering – China 

Path/ Level: 

P4, Associate Director 

Locations:  

Shanghai, China 

Overview 

Lilly Catalyze360 is Lilly's comprehensive approach to enabling the early-stage biotech ecosystem by democratizing access to infrastructure, expertise, and resources. Through its interconnected pillars—Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, Lilly ExploR&D, and Lilly TuneLabs—Catalyze360 strategically removes barriers that traditionally block bold science from becoming life-changing medicines, providing biotechs with flexible combinations of capital, physical lab space, R&D capabilities, AI/ML tools, and decades of enterprise learning.  

Lilly ExploR&D is a team of drug discovery and development experts who partner with biotechs from discovery through clinical proof-of-concept, putting Lilly's industry-leading capabilities behind their missions. We provide flexible support—from strategic consulting to full program execution—making it faster, easier, and more capital-efficient for innovators to transform bold science into life-changing medicines. 

Job Summary 

Lilly ExploR&D is seeking an experienced External Partnering Associate Director to join our growing team in China. This strategic role will drive the identification, evaluation, and establishment of external partnerships to advance the ExploR&D innovation pipeline and accelerate our mission to discover and develop breakthrough medicines. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the search, evaluation, and scientific assessment of external partnering opportunities across therapeutic areas and diverse modalities 

• Identify and assess emerging technology from biotech companies, academic institutions, and research organizations in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region 

• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of partnership opportunities aligned with Lilly's strategic priorities and therapeutic focus areas 

• Develop and implement specific partnering strategies and business models to expand ExploR&D partnerships in China  

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure scientific quality and alignment with Lilly objectives 

• Evaluate discovery to early clinical-stage assets, platforms, and technologies for strategic fit and value creation potential 

• Prepare committee presentations and recommendations for leadership decision-making 

• Facilitate knowledge transfer and integration of external innovations into Lilly's portfolio 

Basic Qualifications/Requirements 

Education: 

• Advanced graduate degree (e.g., PhD, PharmD) in a health-related scientific or engineering field - or experience commensurate with such qualifications  

Experience: 

• 7+ years of progressive work experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry 

• 4+ years of experience in pharmaceutical business development and/or scientific evaluation and due diligence of therapeutic programs or technologies 

Required Skills: 

• Native or fluent proficiency in Mandarin (written and spoken) with strong English communication skills for global collaboration 

Additional Skills/Preferences 

• MBA or advanced business degree 

• Demonstrated track record in business development, licensing, or partnering roles 

• Deep understanding of drug discovery and development processes 

• Strong scientific acumen with ability to evaluate diverse therapeutic modalities and platforms 

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills 

• Significant understanding of the China biotech ecosystem and regulatory environment 

• Strategic thinking with ability to identify opportunities aligned with organizational priorities 

• Proven ability to influence and build consensus across organizational levels and cultures 

• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a global team 

• Experience working in both China and Western markets 

• Strong presentation skills with ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences 

• Network of contacts within the China biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry 

• Knowledge of partnering deal structures, valuation principles, and contract negotiations 

• Track record of successfully completed partnership transactions 

• Experience with venture capital or corporate venture activities 

Additional Information 

• Travel up to 25%