Director, Business Development & Licensing, Europe in London

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group is a leading biopharmaceutical company driven by innovation and committed to improving human health. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, with an expanding global presence including operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Simcere focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative medicines. The company's core therapeutic areas include oncology, neurology, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases, alongside strategic investments in cell and gene therapies and other advanced technologies. Simcere has built a strong internal R&D capability supported by multiple research centers and partnerships with global institutions, enabling a pipeline rich in first-in-class and best-in-class candidates. Simcere is recognized for its robust commercialization capabilities in China, including a well-established sales and marketing network, and is actively expanding its international footprint through collaborations, licensing, and investments.

We are seeking a strategic and scientifically driven Director of Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) to join our European BD team, focusing on Search & Evaluation (S&E) of external innovation in non-oncology therapeutic areas, with an emphasis on Central Nervous System (CNS) and immunology. This role plays a pivotal part in identifying and assessing external partnering opportunities that align with our global R&D and commercial objectives. You will work cross-functionally with scientific, commercial, legal, and corporate strategy colleagues, and report directly to the Head of BD & Licensing, EU.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and evaluate licensing and collaboration opportunities in CNS and immunology, as well as other non-oncology areas of strategic interest.
• Conduct rigorous scientific, clinical, and strategic assessments of early- to late-stage assets, platforms, and technologies.
• Maintain a deep understanding of external innovation and emerging biotech pipelines across Europe and other key territories.
• Lead initial outreach and relationship-building with prospective partners, including biotech companies, academic institutions, and VCs.
• Represent the company at partnering meetings, scientific congresses, and other external forums.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead or support due diligence activities.
• Prepare and present opportunity summaries, investment cases, and recommendation memos to internal governance committees.
• Support transaction negotiation in collaboration with legal, finance, and senior BD leadership.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (R&D, commercial, regulatory, IP, finance, etc.) to align scientific and business perspectives.
• Ensure seamless handoff and integration of licensed assets with internal project teams post-deal.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced degree in life sciences (PhD, PharmD or MD). An MBA or equivalent business training is a plus.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical business development, licensing, or strategic partnering, ideally with exposure to CNS and/or immunology.
• Deep scientific understanding of non-oncology therapeutic areas, with an ability to critically assess data and strategic fit.
• Demonstrated track record in evaluating and/or closing deals, collaborations, or strategic partnerships.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages (e.g., French, German) are a plus.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in fast-paced, growing biotechnology or pharmaceutical organizations.
• Scientific background with the ability to understand and articulate complex technologies and therapeutic areas.
• Comfortable working in a cross-cultural, global team environment.

Compensation

A competitive base salary, annual bonus, and equity participation commensurate with the candidate's experience and seniority.