- Company Name
- Zoetis
- Job Title
- Director, External Innovation & Research Alliances
- Job Description
-
Job title: Director, External Innovation & Research Alliances
Role Summary: Lead the identification, negotiation, and management of research alliances with academia, biotech, and industry to deliver critical technologies, disease models, and expertise supporting VMRD’s animal‑health portfolio. Serve as the primary liaison for external collaborations, ensuring alignment with project objectives, IP safeguards, and investment commitments, while maintaining an up‑to‑date alliance database.
Expectations: Deliver measurable alliance value, maintain high‑quality relationships, manage transactions within defined timelines, adhere to IP and regulatory requirements, and support global portfolio integration. Accountable for 10‑15% travel and cross‑functional communication across research, commercial, and business development teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, assess, triage, negotiate, and close research alliances with external partners.
- Draft and negotiate technology‑based agreements, ensuring IP protection and compliance.
- Update and manage the centralized alliance database, tracking commitments, investments, and deliverables.
- Communicate alliance status and value to internal VMRD research, commercial, and business teams.
- Support global portfolio needs, aligning alliances with business valuation, R&D timelines, and cost structures.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key external collaborators and internal stakeholders.
- Oversee inter‑institutional relationship programs and partnership governance.
Required Skills:
- Mastery of negotiation and contractual drafting for technology and research agreements.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder‑management abilities.
- In‑depth scientific knowledge of animal health research and development.
- Proficiency in business valuation, project cost forecasting, and timeline management.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
- Detail orientation, “finisher” mentality, and consistent delivery of project milestones.
Required Education & Certifications:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, or PhD in biological sciences or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Minimum ten (10) years of transactional experience in academia or industry, developing, contracting, and managing research alliances or technology transfer in life sciences.