Chief of Staff, R&D

Chief of Staff, R&D

Location: Philadelphia, PA (or similar)

Type: Full-time

About the Role

A highly strategic role partnering directly with the EVP of R&D to drive priorities, enable executive decision-making, and lead key transformation initiatives. This position operates at the centre of the R&D organisation, ensuring alignment across leadership, strengthening governance, and driving execution of critical programmes across a global, matrixed environment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Partnership & Strategic Support

• Act as a trusted advisor to the EVP, R&D, providing strategic counsel and enabling effective decision-making
• Manage and prioritise the EVP’s agenda, ensuring focus on high-impact initiatives
• Lead and drive key R&D strategic initiatives and transformation workstreams
• Act as a connector across R&D and enterprise stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity
• Prepare executive-level materials, including board presentations and strategic communications
• Synthesise complex information into clear insights and recommendations
• Represent or deputise for the EVP in key meetings and cross-functional forums

Governance & Portfolio Support

• Support end-to-end governance processes, including agenda setting, briefing materials, and action tracking
• Coordinate preparation of governance materials, ensuring alignment and quality across stakeholders
• Drive follow-up and accountability on key decisions and actions

R&D Leadership Team Operations

• Lead management of R&D leadership team meetings, including agendas, materials, and action tracking
• Strengthen operating rhythm, governance routines, and cross-functional alignment
• Surface and resolve cross-functional dependencies and risks
• Partner with HR, Finance, Legal, and other functions to support execution of key initiatives

Communications & Engagement

• Partner with internal communications to drive clear, consistent R&D messaging
• Lead development of internal communications (e.g. newsletters, updates)
• Plan and deliver key R&D events, including all-hands meetings and leadership sessions
• Coordinate large-scale cross-functional meetings and annual conferences
• Maintain alignment of R&D communications and events with broader business priorities

Your Profile

Experience

• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry
• Proven track record in strategic roles, programme leadership, or executive advisory positions
• Experience working in global, matrixed environments with senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at executive level
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, MD, PharmD) preferred

What’s on Offer

• High-impact, high-visibility role partnering with executive leadership
• Opportunity to shape R&D strategy and transformation
• Dynamic, global and collaborative environment