Corporate Business Development (CBD) Search & Assessment China Lead

We are seeking an Associate Director or Director, Search & Assessment to join our Corporate Business Development (CBD) team. This role supports the development of Lundbeck’s pipeline by identifying and accessing new innovative growth opportunities within the China ecosystem.

About the Role

The global CBD Search & Assessment team is dedicated to building Lundbeck’s corporate pipeline by identifying high-quality external opportunities through R&D collaborations, partnerships, licensing, and M&A. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence and execute Lundbeck’s strategic ambitions, accelerate the transition into new areas within neuroscience, and drive our mission to become a Focused Innovator.

The Search & Assessment China Lead will serve as the frontline representative and “drug hunter” for Lundbeck BD in China. You will identify, assess, and advance opportunities across development stages—from early-stage (preclinical to Ph1) to late-stage clinical and commercial. The objective is to systematically generate high-quality opportunities from China’s pharma, biotech, and academic sources to build Lundbeck’s global pipeline.

In this role, you will act as:

• A first strategic and scientific filter of China-originated or China-relevant opportunities
• An independent evaluator of assets across development stages
• A relationship builder and key external representative across biotech, VC, academia, and the broader CNS innovation ecosystem in China
• The eyes, ears, and voice of Lundbeck in the China innovation landscape

Responsibilities

• Proactively search for, identify, and evaluate innovative neuroscience opportunities that complement Lundbeck’s portfolio across all R&D and commercial stages.
• Independently assess the strategic fit, commercial potential, and technical quality of assets ahead of global BD, R&D, and commercial engagement.
• Provide project leadership on BD opportunities being assessed for scientific and commercial attractiveness in China.
• Collaborate with HQ CBD and the China Commercial Excellence team on local assessments and business case development.
• Build a comprehensive and effective external network within the China ecosystem to ensure early visibility and access to emerging innovation.
• Work closely with HQ CBD and the China affiliate to position Lundbeck as a partner of choice in the China neuroscience innovation ecosystem.
• Represent Lundbeck at industry forums, partnering events, and other engagements in China, communicating our strategy while strengthening our visibility and reputation.
• Prepare high-quality evaluation materials to support internal decision-making.
• Track and interpret the latest trends in neuroscience advancements, staying abreast of partnership opportunities in the industry and the local China ecosystem.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in life sciences (or a CNS-relevant Medical Doctor degree).
• Strong ability to independently evaluate neuroscience assets and technologies, combining scientific depth with sound business judgment.
• Preference for BD-relevant experience in the life sciences sector, including evaluating business opportunities, particularly in the China region.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive networks and source opportunities in China, with experience operating within the China ecosystem.
• Experienced project leader, able to manage parallel projects with high exposure to senior management, both locally and globally.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all layers of management.
• Strategic mindset and ability to articulate the value proposition for diverse and changing business opportunities in China.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with a proven ability to develop relationships with internal stakeholders and industry partners.
• Personal motivation, a positive can-do mindset, instills trust, and enjoys working in a busy, hands-on, demanding, and team-based environment.
• CNS background and experience is preferred.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.

Your Future Team

You will join an experienced corporate business development team and lead cross-functional teams evaluating business opportunities from early to late stage, independent of deal structure. Responsibilities include scouting external opportunities, leading scientific due diligence, conducting commercial assessments, building internal and external relationships, and serving as an ambassador for Lundbeck’s growth aspirations to become “the partner of choice” for neuroscience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

The team explores a pipeline of BD opportunities through a well-established stage-gated assessment process, ensuring cross-functional alignment. The BD team consists of 15 people, primarily located at corporate HQ in Copenhagen, Denmark. The BD&L Search & Assessment team collaborates closely with colleagues across BD for commercial assessments, valuations, and negotiations. Most of the Executive Management and R&D organization is also based in Copenhagen.