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The Roche Accelerator is Roche’s first in-house accelerator within the Roche Group, deeply embedded in the China Innovation Center of Roche (CICoR). In 2021, with an investment of nearly RMB 300 million, the Roche Accelerator was officially launched with the support of the local government and partners. It serves as a bridge fostering collaborations between Chinese start-ups and Roche’s extensive R&D and value chain network.

The Head of Roche Accelerator is responsible for the overall strategy and operations and leads the team, incl. business development, strategy & partnerships, facility operations. This position reports to the Head of CICoR, and sits in the leadership team of CICoR.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead and manage Roche Accelerator, responsible for the overall strategy and implementation, P&L and financial performance and budget of Roche Accelerator; work closely with various internal cross-functional stakeholders across Roche and external partners

Lead, coach and develop Roche Accelerator team members across business development, strategy & partnerships and facility operations

Strategy implementation: continue updating and executing Roche Accelerator strategy, in coordination with Roche Accelerator Advisory Committee and other senior management

Therapeutic area / pipeline external innovation strategy and governance: enable CICoR’s TA strategy development and portfolio decisions, support and provide external innovation landscaping and competitive intelligence

Start-up incubation: scouting, search & evaluation and term negotiation with start-ups across novel biology, platform technology and AI / ML to ensure a strong portfolio and deal flow of innovators that align with Roche Strategy

Discovery R&D collaboration: drive early stage research collaborations on innovative therapeutic targets / modalities, including but not limited to joint research, risk sharing co-development, option / right agreement, and asset acquisition; facilitate licensing due diligences 

Ecosystem partnership and engagement: maintain and expand strategic partnerships with the ecosystem, including government, academics, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists; provide coaching and guidance to portfolio start-ups on strategy, financing, legal / IP, operations, etc. to maximize their chance of success

Serve as the ambassador and spokesperson of Roche Accelerator in social media and external engagements; organize events and branding activities of Roche Accelerator to advocate the reputation and awareness of Roche Accelerator 

Facility management and operations: oversee the day-to-day operation of the 5,000 m2 Roche Accelerator facility. Lead a diverse team of functional experts to ensure the operational excellence and tenant satisfaction, and ensure compliance with Roche internal policies (e.g. SHE) and external laws and regulations

Qualifications

PhD/MD in life science, or MBA 

A visionary leader with 10+ years of experience and track record in external innovation, partnering, drug discovery and development or relevant experience in the healthcare industry

Deep experience and extensive network of the healthcare industry and ecosystem in China

Demonstrated ability to cultivate, build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, and work across functions and divisions

Strong team player with a collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills

Innovative, curious, open-minded

Entrepreneurial mindset, flexible, passionate

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.