Head of Research & Early Development

Job Title: Head of Research & Early Development (R&ED)

Location: Southern Germany (Munich / Tübingen / Heidelberg - flexible hybrid)

Salary: €130,000 - €170,000 Bonus Equity Options (DOE)

Type: Full-time | Leadership | Permanent

Lead the Next Wave of Therapeutic Innovation

Are you a visionary scientific leader ready to shape the future of drug development? Join a high-growth pharmaceutical innovator embedded in the heart of Southern Germany's life sciences ecosystem. Backed by leading investors and with a bold R&D strategy spanning immunology, oncology, and infectious disease, they're seeking a dynamic Head of Research & Early Development to drive discovery from lab bench to clinical reality.

This is your opportunity to lead from the front - steering interdisciplinary teams across research, translational science, data innovation, and early clinical development.

Your Mission

As Head of R&ED, you'll:

• Define and deliver the R&D strategy across discovery, translational biology, and early clinical phases.
• Build and lead teams of Research Scientists, Bioinformaticians, Clinical Data Scientists, and Program Managers.
• Translate science into development strategy - bridging IND-enabling studies through to Phase I/II trials.
• Partner with CROs, tech platforms, and academic labs to accelerate progress.
• Bring together data science and biology to drive smarter, faster drug development.

Early Development & Clinical Value Chain Expertise

We're looking for experience that spans the pharmaceutical R&D lifecycle:

• Proven success in target validation, hit-to-lead, and IND-enabling programs.
• Deep understanding of early-phase clinical trials, biomarkers, and adaptive trial designs.
• Familiarity with EMA/FDA regulatory frameworks and strategic submission planning.
• Exposure to real-world evidence (RWE) and its application in both early and late-stage development.

What You Bring

• PhD, MD, or PharmD in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• 10 years in pharma/biotech, including senior-level R&D leadership.
• A collaborative, pioneering mindset and strong external presence.
• Business-level English (German is a plus but not essential).

The Package

• Base salary €130,000 - €170,000 (DOE) bonus equity options
• Flexible hybrid model with relocation support if needed (EU Citizens)
• Private health & pension scheme
• A chance to lead and influence at the highest levels

Why Join?

This is more than a job - it's a chance to lead therapeutic innovation at scale. You'll join a company poised for global impact, where your vision can shape the future of medicine, your team, and the way we innovate across pharma.

Apply Now

Reach out confidentially to Josh or apply directly to explore this exclusive leadership opportunity.