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 FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap. ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr