External Research Lead

Location: Brussels, Belgium (hybrid working)

Engagement Status: Freelance until end of 2026

We’re partnered with a large pharmaceutical organisation to support in looking for an External Research Opportunity (ERO) Lead to own the end-to-end management of externally sponsored research with healthcare stakeholders. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of medical, legal, and compliance, supporting Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS), External Research Collaborations (ERC), and External Research Services (ERS) across multiple therapeutic areas.

You’ll act as the subject matter expert, driving governance, contracting, and oversight to ensure research is delivered compliantly, efficiently, and with real scientific value.

• Lead the review, endorsement, and lifecycle management of external research opportunities
• Chair and drive review committee meetings and decision-making processes
• Develop and negotiate research agreements and statement of work
  , partnering with medical, clinical, legal, and compliance teams
• Ensure ongoing contract compliance, milestone tracking, and performance oversight
• Act as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders, escalating risks and issues as needed
• Support the evolution of external research frameworks, processes, and systems
• Oversee external service providers to ensure delivery against agreed operational metrics

• 3–5+ years’ experience in Pharma/Biotech, Academia, Research Institutions, or CROs
• 3+ years’ experience managing contracts across their full lifecycle
• Strong experience in project and stakeholder management
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical research regulations and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in an fast-paced environment

• Research contract development and negotiation
• External research governance (IIS, ERC, ERS)
• Regulatory and compliance oversight
• Cross-functional project management
• Vendor and service provider management

• Confident decision-maker with strong judgement
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and solutions-focused
• Strong communicator with executive presence

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree, PhD, MD, or JD advantageous but not essential