JOB SUMMARY
The R&D Innovation Lead reports to the Head of APAC, Global R&D and is responsible to lead the Open Innovation Center (OIC) activities in China. The OIC is a collaborative hub focused on knowledge sharing, consultation, and strategic partnerships in drug development with local biotech companies, academic institutions, hospitals, and governments. The role will have direct operational oversight and responsibilities for the OIC activities, which will be conducted in collaboration with relevant functions in Development China, R&D, and Business Development as well as Medical Affairs and Commercial in China. The R&D Innovation Lead will enhance Pfizer’s position as a trusted multinational company advancing innovation by showcasing the complete scope and commitment of the company’s R&D engagement in China, including the progress of the development portfolio, to external stakeholders. The role will also serve as a member of the OIC Steering Committee that will provide strategic oversight and decision-making and ensure alignment with enterprise goals.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The R&D Innovation Lead will have direct operational oversight and responsibilities for the OIC activities, which will be conducted in collaboration with relevant functions in Development China, R&D, and Business Development as well as Medical Affairs and Commercial in China: 

• Lead the two OICs established in Beijing and Shanghai to execute the projects launched and fulfill the key performance indicators aligned with local governments and healthcare stakeholders. Below are examples of the projects. 

• 1.    Develop a robust pool of potential investigators by offering training programs to physicians at leading hospitals and integrating global post-doctoral programs with local models to ensure Pfizer has a reliable network of investigators capable of conducting high quality trials to accelerate global development. 
• 2.    Foster collaboration with local biotech companies and academic institutions through frequent contact and relationship building, knowledge-sharing workshops, and advisory support 
• 3.    Enhance clinical trial productivity and speed by leveraging AI with real-world data in various processes, including protocol optimization, recruitment prediction, risk forecasting, workflow automation, and real-time monitoring. 
• 4.    Build early phase research capabilities in China through joint phase 1 studies with local hospitals, academic partnerships, and engagement with regulators for guideline development; organize visits to Pfizer Clinical Research Units and leading hospitals ex-China to enable mutual learning and technical exchange. 
• 5.    Support advancement of independent medical education through competitive medical grant programs and request for proposal postings. 
• 6.    Advance patient-centric trials and experience through patient engagement platforms, global partnerships, and technology. 
• Lead operational team for day-to-day execution of OIC activities, including alignment with project objectives and timelines, cross-functional collaboration, internal and external stakeholder management, tactical problem-solving, and issue escalation.
• Manage OIC budget including all direct and indirect costs and audits performed over expenditures applicable with China’s accounting standards for business enterprises.
• As a representative of R&D together with the Head of Development China, enhance Pfizer’s position as a trusted multinational company advancing innovation by building a strong network with external stakeholders and by showcasing the complete scope and commitment of the company’s R&D engagement in China, including the progress of the development portfolio.
• Maintain an effective partnership with government stakeholders and periodically share and align expectations on the progress of OIC activities; manage and ensure compliance with contractual obligations with local governments.
• Serve as a member of the OIC Steering Committee, together with Head of APAC Global R&D, Head of Development China, China Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Pfizer China President, and R&D Compliance, that will provide strategic oversight and decision-making and ensure alignment with enterprise goals.
• Partner with Development China, who is responsible for executing and delivering the development portfolio (e.g. investigator/site selection, clinical trial application, clinical trial conduct and investment).
• Collaborate with Business Development to enhance business development opportunities in China, utilizing its network with local biotech companies and academic institutions.
• Assess opportunities to expand OICs, balancing the value gained from having presence in an area with a high concentration of local biotech companies, leading hospitals, and prominent scientific researchers, the investment and resources required, and the impact on existing OICs; obtain endorsement from internal stakeholders and governances.
• Engaging with key stakeholders at scientific conferences, local government meetings, and other academic and industry events to enhance the company's reputation and visibility.
• Maintain knowledge in emerging areas of science and medicine, evolving technology, and new practices in drug development to identify opportunities and to provide precompetitive advice to local biotech companies and academic institutions.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• M.D. and/or Ph.D. credentials in a scientific discipline required, together with 15+ years of experience in scientific leadership roles including drug development.
• Experience working in China; working in both pharma (complexity) and biotech (nimble) companies would be ideal.
• Experience in discovery and translational research and/or early and late-stage development including regulatory knowledge.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to quickly build rapport and credibility with key external stakeholders as well as local, regional, and global Pfizer leaders, including exhibiting a strong commitment to Pfizer’s Values and Behaviors.
• Connected with key stakeholders in China (e.g. biotech companies, academic institutions, hospitals, local governments, clinical community).
• History of smart decision making, placing strategic bets, making tough portfolio and resource allocation decisions, to maximize return on investment.
• Executive presence to operate with business leaders and influence global R&D decisions in a clear, concise and impactful manner.
• Excellent track record of operational management, process improvement, and business development.
• Excellent communication and strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams in an inclusive, collaborative environment, leveraging technology for business transformation.

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.