Associate Director, R&D Strategy & Strategic Initiatives

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, R&D Strategy & Strategic Initiatives based in the United States.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and analytical professional to help shape priorities and drive organizational excellence within a global Research & Development (R&D) organization. In this role, you will work closely with senior leadership to address complex business challenges, evaluate emerging opportunities, and develop recommendations that support long-term R&D success. You will operate at the intersection of scientific innovation, business strategy, and operational execution, contributing to initiatives across research, clinical development, and emerging innovation platforms.

Combining strategic thinking with hands‑on project leadership, you will transform complex information into actionable insights and measurable outcomes. This position offers broad exposure to executive decision‑making, cross‑functional collaboration, and the evolving biopharmaceutical landscape. It is ideal for an intellectually curious, entrepreneurial problem‑solver who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys turning ambitious ideas into practical solutions.

• Lead strategic analyses addressing key R&D priorities, organizational capabilities, productivity, portfolio considerations, and emerging business opportunities.
• Structure complex and ambiguous strategic questions, formulate hypotheses, conduct targeted research, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Conduct industry benchmarking, competitive intelligence, market assessments, and evaluations of innovative R&D approaches, operating models, and business opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of R&D strategies, long-term organizational priorities, and initiatives designed to strengthen research and development capabilities.
• Independently manage strategic work streams and special projects from initial problem definition and analysis through recommendations and early-stage implementation.
• Collaborate with Research, Development, Finance, Business Development, and other cross‑functional teams to gather insights, assess alternatives, and advance strategic priorities.
• Support initiatives focused on R&D innovation, external partnerships, new operating models, and the continuous evolution of development capabilities.
• Translate strategic recommendations into practical implementation plans and support their execution to ensure progress and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Prepare high‑quality executive presentations, strategic narratives, briefing documents, and recommendations to support senior R&D leadership decisions.
• Support organization‑wide R&D strategic planning, goal setting, governance, and leadership decision‑making processes.
• Synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative information into clear insights, business implications, strategic trade‑offs, and recommended actions.
• Coordinate high‑priority activities within the R&D leadership office, including leadership meetings, strategic discussions, and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Potentially mentor other team members and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performing team environment.

• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree is preferred. A PhD with approximately 3–4 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with approximately 6 years of experience is particularly desirable. Exceptions may be considered for candidates with equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Professional experience in biopharmaceuticals, life sciences consulting, corporate strategy, business operations, or related fields. Both…