Associate Director/Director, New Oncology Product Innovation
Position Summary: We are seeking a strategic and driven Associate Director/Director, New Product Innovation Oncology to lead the discovery, evaluation, and early development of novel oncology products tailored specifically for biopharma and academic customers. This role will focus on creating innovative solutions that address the unique and evolving needs of these critical segments, advancing precision oncology through cutting-edge technology and research partnerships.
The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in oncology diagnostics and therapeutics, combined with a strong understanding of the scientific demands and commercial expectations of both biopharma and academic customers. They will translate unmet needs into actionable product concepts, develop early-stage product strategies, and guide cross-functional teams in advancing innovations from ideation to proof-of-concept.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Engage closely with biopharma partners to identify opportunities for companion diagnostics, clinical trial support, and biomarker-driven product development.
- Collaborate with academic researchers and institutions to co-develop innovative products that accelerate research and clinical translation in oncology.
- Conduct Voice of Customer (VOC) interviews and market research focused on biopharma and academic users to define unmet needs, target product profiles (TPPs), and competitive differentiation.
- Develop and prioritize early product concepts, business cases, and value assessments tailored to the complex requirements and use cases of biopharma and academic customers.
- Guide the evaluation of emerging technologies, including genomics, AI/ML analytics, and high-dimensional multimodal data, with a focus on their applicability to research and clinical trial settings.
- Lead cross-functional teams in designing and executing proof-of-concept studies and feasibility assessments targeted at these customer segments.
- Drive strategic pipeline prioritization and roadmap planning that aligns with biopharma development timelines and academic research cycles.
- Support due diligence and partnership evaluations for external innovation opportunities that serve biopharma and academic customers.
- Act as a cross-functional champion for customer-centric innovation across R&D, Clinical, Business Development, and Marketing teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA) preferred in life sciences, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
- Minimum 7+ years of experience in product management, strategy, or innovation roles within oncology, diagnostics, pharma, or academic research settings.
- Demonstrated experience working with biopharma clients and/or academic collaborators in oncology or precision medicine.
- Proven ability to lead early-stage product innovation that balances scientific rigor with commercial insight in regulated environments.
- Strong understanding of clinical trial processes, biomarker development, and the research pipeline dynamics relevant to oncology.
- Expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and business case development tailored to biopharma and academic customer needs.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with ability to collaborate across diverse technical and commercial teams.
Key Competencies and Attributes:
- Customer-focused innovator with a passion for addressing the specific needs of biopharma and academic oncology sectors.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving skills.
- Effective collaborator and influencer able to align stakeholders and drive consensus.
- Adaptive leader who thrives in fast-paced environments requiring agility and creativity.