Executive Director – Discovery Oncology

Johnson & Johnson

Executive Director managing Oncology research and therapeutics portfolio at Johnson & Johnson. Leading a global team to develop innovative cancer treatments and strategies.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeBeerse • 🇧🇪 BelgiumLead💰 $196,000 - $342,700 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

You will be responsible for leading and guiding the Oncology discovery research in selected cancer indications.
The Executive Director, Discovery Oncology defines and executes on the strategy for Oncology Discovery.
Develop a portfolio of therapeutics addressing core pathways in Oncology from project concept through to entrance into clinical trials.
Leads a global group of approximately 20-40 people (including regular FTEs, temporary contractors and postdoctoral fellows), guiding their science with an emphasis on scientific quality and rigor.
In partnership with Oncology leadership, including TA head, clinical, strategic and functional leaders, defines the scientific strategy for the TA and develops a portfolio of assets for solid cancer indications.
Creates an environment that values innovation, leadership, scientific excellence, urgency, and personal accountability.
Manages resource allocations across programs, included shared resources across labs.
Proactively influences across functional areas and external partners to align project activities with strategic goals.
Establishes internal and external collaborations to facilitate execution of Discovery strategy.
Partners with external collaborators and innovation centers to evaluate and discover new approaches, technologies, and targets in support of the Oncology portfolio.
Provides management oversight including personal talent development, training, coaching and guidance to discovery scientists.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD with deep content knowledge in Oncology.
15+ years of demonstrated leadership and drug discovery experience in the area of Oncology, preferably in solid malignancies.
Solid background in drug discovery across modalities (small, large molecules, cell therapy), including immune therapies.
Background in cellular, molecular and/or immune tumor biology with a good understanding of the therapeutic landscape in Oncology.
Strong record of leading programs to the identification of Clinical Candidates.
Strong track record of publications in the field.
Broad scope of impact beyond individual projects, eg leading research platforms, target classes, etc.
Strong external network and recognized as an expert in the field by peers.
Demonstrated competence for team leadership and/or people skills to manage a team with members in different continents.
Leading or being part of a significant organization change.
Heavy influencing across organization boundaries and without direct authority.
Enterprise thinking.
Detail-oriented as well as being able to see the big picture.
Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to effectively present scientific data and concepts to international standards.
Shaping and articulating a vision that inspires, engages, and brings others along a change journey.
Ability to attract and develop talent.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

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Hard Skills & Tools

Oncology Drug DiscoveryClinical Candidate IdentificationImmune TherapiesCell TherapyMolecular BiologyTumor BiologyResearch Platform LeadershipTarget Class LeadershipPublications In OncologyResource Allocation Management

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipInfluencing Without AuthorityTalent DevelopmentDetail-OrientedVision Articulation