SVP Head of Inflammation & Immunology

SVP Head of Inflammation & Immunology

Evotec

Multiple Locations

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 RnD 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;
• Minimum 15 years of experience, with solid strategical and technical understanding of the pharma R&D value chain and project deliverables with in-depth subject matter expertise in the I&I space;
• 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.