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The PositionPurpose

The Global Head of Discovery Research Oncology is a pivotal role reporting to the SVP Head Disease Therapy Area Oncology within Roche Pharma Research & Early Development (pRED). You will lead and oversee the oncology discovery research strategy and portfolio, driving innovation and guiding a multidisciplinary team to develop groundbreaking therapies that improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide.

Together with your leadership team, you will develop a sustainable vision and strategy for an organization of over 100  highly talented researchers, tackling diverse aspects of cancer and immune biology. This position is one of the most senior and impactful Oncology roles in the pharmaceutical industry, with an immense opportunity to positively affect human health. 

Who we are

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, dedicated to advancing science to improve lives. We offer a wide range of innovative therapies and diagnostic tools, enabling transformative treatment solutions for patients. At Roche, we foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees can develop their full potential.

At Roche, the drive for a healthier future propels us to innovate continually. Our aim is to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Ultimately, we strive to create a world where we can spend more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Roche.

Key responsibilities and tasks

Vision and Strategy:

Develop and execute a global vision and strategy for oncology discovery research aligned with Roche’s overall mission and objectives

Oversee research management to identify and validate new therapeutic targets and pathways

Stay current with the latest scientific advancements and technological innovations in oncology research to integrate cutting-edge approaches into the discovery pipeline

Leadership:

Member of the pRED Oncology Leadership Team

Act as a visionary leader, architect, catalyst, and coach (VACC) for your organization

Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of scientists while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence

Collaboration:

Work closely with the Early Clinical Development organization and other internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, biotech partners, and clinical development teams, to drive collaborative research efforts

Manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively to ensure the successful execution of research programs

Ensure all research activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and ethical standards

Who you are

Qualifications:

Ph.D. or Ph.D./M.D. in Oncology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field

Significant years of experience in oncology research with a proven track record in discovery and preclinical development

Recognized scientific expertise in the field of oncology

Leadership experience within a pharmaceutical, biotech and/or academic setting

Proven expertise in drug discovery and preclinical oncology research

Experienced Discovery Scientist with a track record of oncology research publications

Skills:

Demonstrable strategic and analytical thinking

Exceptional leadership, interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment, specifically with Early Clinical Development teams

Innovative mindset with a passion for discovering new therapies for cancer patients

Experience driving the development and execution of strategic direction for discovery research in Oncology

Strong business acumen

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.