Vp Inflammation

The Head of Inflammation & Immunology (I&I) is a senior scientific and strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the R&D strategy within the I&I therapeutic area. Reporting to the Head of Therapeutic Areas, this role drives innovation, identifies high-impact opportunities, and steers cross-functional efforts to build a competitive and differentiated pipeline. The role operates in a matrix environment, influencing internal and external stakeholders to position Evotec as a leader in the field.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Scientific Direction- Define and lead the scientific strategy for the therapeutic area, aligned with Evotec’s R&D and business objectives.- Identify emerging opportunities based on scientific trends, competitive landscape, and unmet medical needs.- Champion the therapeutic area’s vision internally and externally, ensuring scientific excellence and innovation.- Own the R&D budget and ROI for the therapeutic area, including internal projects and strategic collaborations.- Prioritize and oversee early-stage R&D initiatives, from target identification to preclinical development.- Provide scientific leadership and collaborate with Operations, Key Account Management and Business Development to identify, shape, and convert R&D projects into partnerships.- Represent Evotec’s expertise at customer events, scientific conferences, consortia, and in peer-reviewed publications.

Knowledge & Experience- PhD or equivalent in a relevant life science discipline-
- Drug discovery experience from target ID to PDC of at least 10 years, exposure to planning of clinical development and trials up to PoC’s desirable- Proven track record in progressing discovery-stage programs and strategic collaborations- Experience in licensing, partnering, and external scientific representation- Strong network and credibility in the I&I field

Skills & Competencies- Strategic and systems thinker with a future-oriented mindset- Strong leadership and influencing skills in a matrix environment- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities- Ability to integrate scientific, commercial, and operational perspectives- Experience in omics data interpretation would be a plus- Skilled in building communities and fostering cross-functional alignment