Associate Vice President, Search and Evaluation

Incyte is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel medicines to meet serious unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammation and autoimmunity. Incyte is committed to the rigorous pursuit of research and development excellence to improve the lives of patients, make a difference in health care, and build sustainable value. 

The Company strives to discover and develop first-in-class and best-in-class medicines-advancing a diverse portfolio of large and small molecules.

Job Summary (Primary function) 

Incyte is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to serve as Associate Vice President, Search & Evaluation (S&E). This role will be responsible for leading the identification, assessment, and strategic evaluation of external innovation opportunities across therapeutic areas to support Incyte’s long-term growth strategy.

Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, the AVP will play a critical role in shaping Incyte’s external innovation agenda, partnering closely with R&D, Business Development, Commercial, Finance, and Legal to advance high-impact opportunities from early scientific assessment through transaction execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Search & Portfolio Alignment

• Lead the global Search & Evaluation function, driving proactive and systematic identification of external opportunities aligned with Incyte’s therapeutic area strategies, scientific capabilities, and portfolio needs.
• Partner with R&D and therapeutic area leadership to define search priorities across discovery, preclinical, and clinical-stage assets, platforms, and technologies.
• Continuously assess the external innovation landscape, including biotech, academic, and emerging platform companies, to identify high-value opportunities.

Scientific and Strategic Evaluation

• Oversee rigorous scientific, clinical, regulatory, and commercial assessments of external opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional diligence teams to evaluate mechanism of action, differentiation, development risk, competitive landscape, and strategic fit.
• Drive clear, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership and governance committees.

Transaction Support and Execution

• Collaborate closely with Business Development lead to support deal structuring, valuation, and negotiation strategy.
• Provide strategic input across a range of transactions, including licenses, collaborations, options, acquisitions, and equity investments.
• Ensure seamless handoff of opportunities from evaluation to deal execution and post-deal integration planning.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Influence

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing S&E team with deep scientific and strategic expertise.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across R&D, Commercial, and Product Strategy functions.
• Represent Incyte externally with scientific and business leaders, key opinion leaders, and potential partners.

Governance and Communication

• Prepare and present high-quality materials for internal governance forums, including executive leadership and Board-level discussions.
• Ensure consistency, transparency, and rigor in evaluation frameworks and decision-making processes.

Qualifications

Education

• PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree in a life sciences discipline strongly preferred.
• MBA or equivalent business training preferred.

Experience

• 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, with significant experience in Search & Evaluation, Business Development, Strategy, or Corporate Development.
• Demonstrated track record of evaluating and advancing external innovation opportunities across multiple development stages.
• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical strategy, regulatory pathways, and commercialization considerations.
• Experience supporting or leading complex transactions is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific and commercial information into clear recommendations.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at the executive level.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed, global organization.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

Incyte Corporation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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