Head of Thera Innovation - Animal Health Research

Head of Thera Innovation - Animal Health Research

Join Boehringer Ingelheim as the Head of Thera Innovation – Animal Health Research, leading innovative animal health efforts within Cardio‑Renal‑Metabolic Diseases Research (CRMDR).

As an experienced team leader, you will set up and manage a new animal health team for Pet Thera innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim’s largest research site in Biberach. You will establish state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, integrate the Non‑Infectious Disease (NID) laboratory, and develop an innovative Pet Thera portfolio of therapeutic concepts addressing unmet needs to improve animal quality of life.

• Assume scientific and disciplinary leadership of a diverse team of scientists with direct access to state‑of‑the‑art in‑vitro laboratories and coordinate closely with GI Clinical for the translation from in‑vitro to in‑vivo.
• Develop an attractive portfolio of innovative therapeutic concepts in the field of non‑infectious diseases (NID), focusing on cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory diseases in animals.
• Actively promote collaboration with established Human Pharma research teams to leverage synergies and drive innovation in Pet Therapeutics.
• Create new disease insights and leverage emerging disease knowledge and modality advances to identify breakthrough opportunities for animal health.
• Manage different stakeholders in a matrix organization and effectively integrate animal health into the local research structure.
• Utilize interfaces between Human Pharma and animal health research, with close coordination to the global Head of NID and other leadership functions.
• Shape the further development of the division and make a decisive contribution to the future of animal health.
• Account for all HR‑relevant topics in the animal health area and ensure compliance with local requirements, including EHS and electronic laboratory documentation (eLN).

• PhD in biology, veterinary medicine, medicine or comparable with extensive professional experience within the therapeutic area.
• Proven leadership skills to lead a scientific team in Biberach and collaborate effectively with US‑based colleagues in a matrix organization.
• Extensive expertise in in‑vitro biology, especially molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, to develop and validate novel therapeutic concepts.
• Several years of professional experience with significant time spent in the Pharma/Biotech industry, including project work across diverse modalities (e.g. NCEs, NBEs).
• A deep understanding of the (patho‑)physiology of non‑infectious diseases, preferably in companion animals.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work and lead within a matrix organization.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; good understanding and willingness to improve in German is a plus.

If you have questions about the role or application process, contact the HR Direct Team at +49 (0) 6132 77‑3330 or ‑

Recruitment steps:

• Online application – open until January 18, 2026.
• Virtual meeting – until January 23, 2026.
• On‑site interviews – mid-February 2026.

Seniority level:
Director

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Product Management and Marketing

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Why Boehringer Ingelheim? Join a company where your development is a priority. We foster a culture that values differences, supports growth, and tackles challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment. Our investments in health and wellbeing, global accessibility to healthcare, and constant innovation create opportunities to transform lives for generations.