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External Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck Group

Head of External Innovation

Bedford, MA · On-site

$233K - $350K/yr

You will own and accelerate external innovation partnerships to unlock breakthrough bioprocessing technologies complementary to Process Solutions portfolio, and scale them through market introduction.

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External Innovation information

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$60K

$94.7K

$131.5K

How much do external innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for external innovation in the United States is $94,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between External Innovation vs R&D Specialist?

AspectExternal InnovationR&D Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in business, innovation management, or related fieldsRequires a degree in engineering, science, or related technical disciplines
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with external partners, startups, and innovation hubsWorks primarily within R&D departments of companies or labs
Industry UsageCommon in industries focusing on open innovation and external partnershipsFound in industries with in-house research and development teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving external collaboration and innovation strategyCompared for technical research and product development roles

External Innovation focuses on leveraging external partners and open innovation strategies, while R&D Specialists conduct internal research and development. Both roles are vital for innovation but differ in their approach and environment.

How does an External Innovation professional typically collaborate with internal teams to drive successful partnerships and projects?

External Innovation professionals work closely with various internal stakeholders, such as R&D, product management, legal, and business development teams, to identify needs and evaluate potential external partners. They facilitate communication between internal decision-makers and external organizations, ensuring alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables. This role often involves coordinating cross-functional meetings, managing due diligence processes, and translating external opportunities into actionable internal projects. Effective collaboration is key to integrating external innovations smoothly and maximizing value for the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in External Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive in External Innovation, you need a strong background in business development, market analysis, and scientific or technical expertise relevant to your industry, often supported by a degree in business, science, or engineering. Familiarity with innovation management tools, intellectual property systems, and platforms for scouting emerging technologies is highly valuable. Exceptional networking, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for successfully identifying, evaluating, and integrating external opportunities that drive organizational growth and competitiveness.

What is external innovation?

External innovation refers to the process where organizations seek new ideas, technologies, or partnerships from outside their own company to drive growth and stay competitive. This can involve collaborating with startups, universities, research institutions, or other companies to access fresh perspectives and expertise. By leveraging external resources, businesses can accelerate product development, expand into new markets, and reduce risks associated with innovation. External innovation is often part of a broader open innovation strategy, emphasizing collaboration beyond traditional organizational boundaries.
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External Innovation jobs near you
Director, External Innovation

Director, External Innovation

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Princeton, NJ • Hybrid

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Please note that this position can be based in Princeton, NJ or San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary:

The Director, External Innovation will lead the scientific assessment and evaluation of new asset and partnership opportunities aligned with the company's corporate strategy and R&D portfolio across Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Neuro-rare, and Non-neuro Rare Disease areas. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of identifying promising science and helping determine which opportunities have the potential to strengthen the pipeline and create meaningful impact for patients.

This role plays a key part in identifying, evaluating, and advancing global in-licensing, acquisition, and partnership opportunities. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders to support diligence, inform strategic decision-making, and contribute to transaction execution, while building trusted relationships across the biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead search and evaluation activities within the External Innovation organization, identifying and assessing potential new assets, technologies, and partnership opportunities
  • Generate and prioritize opportunities through proactive external biotech, pharma, and academic landscape monitoring and through industry engagement
  • Evaluate scientific and clinical data to assess the value and strategic fit of inlicensing and acquisition opportunities
  • Lead or colead crossfunctional due diligence efforts, partnering with R&D, CMC, Commercial, Legal, and Finance organizations to assess opportunities
  • Prepare and present opportunity assessments, recommendations, and strategic insights to senior leadership, accountable for deliverables including integrated development plans, budgets, and risk assessments to inform decision making
  • Contribute to development of deal structures, term sheets, and internal business cases to support transaction decisions
  • Partner with Finance and crossfunctional teams to assess potential return on investment and key value drivers
  • Support or lead elements of transaction processes, including formation and coordination of due diligence teams, acting as scientific interface with target company leadership, , and ensuring internal alignment
  • Build and maintain relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, and key scientific leaders to support sourcing efforts
  • Stay current on scientific and industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to the company's focus areas
  • Serve as a key contributor to knowledge management related to external opportunities and prior transactions
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline required; advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or Master's) preferred
  • 10-12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, including experience in external innovation, business development, or related roles
  • Project Management Skills
  • Experience in neuroscience and/or rare disease (neurologic/psychiatric and/or nonneuro rare disease) strongly preferred
  • Strong scientific expertise with the ability to evaluate complex clinical and preclinical data
  • Experience in external search, opportunity evaluation, and business development processes
  • Understanding of drug development, commercialization considerations, and industry dynamics
  • Cross-functional drug development project leadership and/or project management experience is a plus
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders
  • Strong crossfunctional collaboration and influencing skills in a matrixed environment
  • Effective communication and presentation skills, including interaction with senior leadership
  • Working knowledge of transaction processes, due diligence, and partnership structures
  • Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in pharmaceutical development
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fastpaced environment
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.

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