Director, External Science Lead – Biologics Discovery and Design

Pfizer

Pfizer leader sourcing external biologics discovery, protein engineering, and AI/ML platforms. Driving scientific diligence, partnerships, governance, and adoption across R&D units.

Posted 8/13/2026full-timeCambridge • California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $176,600 - $294,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in biologics discovery and protein engineering, with a strong focus on AI/ML-enabled platforms and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to lead strategic partnerships and influence stakeholders while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD Or Similar Advanced Degree5+ Years Industry Experience In Biologics DiscoveryBusiness Development ExperienceAI Tools ProficiencyCross-Functional Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Biologics DiscoveryProtein EngineeringAI/ML Platforms EvaluationGovernance ProcessesPartnership ExecutionScientific Opportunity EvaluationBiologics OptimizationProcess DevelopmentFormulation TechnologiesDrug Product Technologies

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInfluencing Senior StakeholdersCollaborationCoaching And Developing OthersCuriosity For AI Tools

Tools & Technologies

ChatGPTMicrosoft CopilotGenerative Technologies

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical Drug DevelopmentVenture InvestmentMatrix OrganizationsResponsible AI PracticesRisk Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead global networking and sourcing of external biologics discovery and protein engineering technologies
Identify and evaluate AI/ML-enabled platforms for protein design, structure prediction, and design-make-test workflows
Partner with Bio-Molecular Design to define high-impact use cases and integration pathways into internal workflows
Drive alignment and adoption across all Research Units and partner lines
Build and lead cross-functional diligence teams to evaluate scientific and strategic fit
Shepherd prioritized opportunities through governance and deal processes with BD and Legal
Leverage internal capabilities to position Pfizer as partner-of-choice and enable collaboration success
Represent Pfizer externally at key biologics and platform technology forums
Engage academia, biotech, venture, and consortia to source and advance technologies
Lead diligence, governance, and partnership execution aligned with strategic priorities

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD or similar advanced degree
5+ years of relevant industry experience, including significant experience in biologics discovery, protein engineering, or a related discipline
Experience in business development, alliance management, or technology partnerships
Knowledge of early developability and biologics optimization considerations
Experience evaluating external scientific opportunities and driving prioritization
Experience working in cross-functional, matrix organizations
Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
Experience communicating to different business groups/lines and influencing senior stakeholders
Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity
Curiosity for exploring how AI tools can improve outcomes
Understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use
Preferred: experience in pharmaceutical drug development (Idea to Candidate) process
Preferred: previous experience in biotechnology companies and/or venture investment
Preferred: experience in process development, formulation, or drug product technologies
Breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities, including influencing and collaborating with peers, developing and coaching others, and overseeing and guiding colleagues’ work
Ability to travel to partnering conferences, scientific meetings, Pfizer and collaborator sites approximately 20% of the time
Must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer
Requires permanent work authorization in the United States
U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future

Benefits

Comp & perks

Eligible for Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 20.0% of base salary
Eligibility to participate in Pfizer’s share based long term incentive program
401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions
Additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
Paid vacation
Holiday and personal days
Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
Medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility