VP, Search and Evaluation

The VP of Search and Evaluation will lead Formation Bio’s search and evaluation efforts, overseeing all aspects of deal sourcing, evaluation, and diligence. This role is responsible for setting the strategy for in-licensing opportunities, including therapeutic area (TA) focus, modality, and stage of development. The successful candidate will open doors across the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, ensuring Formation Bio’s search team is well-connected to identify innovative opportunities. Key responsibilities include: Overseeing the search and evaluation process to identify potential deals for in-licensing, including scouting and assessing external innovation. Guiding in-licensing strategy, including therapeutic area focus, modality, and stage of drug development to align with Formation Bio’s goals. Building and maintaining relationships with academic institutions, biotech, and large pharma partners to identify and advance potential opportunities. Leading and setting the diligence process, including defining scope, parameters, and evaluation criteria. Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders (scientific, commercial, legal, etc.) to ensure cross-functional input during diligence and decision-making. Delivering fully vetted, high-potential deals to the transactions team for negotiation and execution. Representing Formation Bio externally at conferences, industry events, and in key partner discussions to strengthen the company’s visibility and deal-making network. Staying ahead of emerging trends in drug development, scientific breakthroughs, and partnership models to position Formation Bio as a leader in deal execution and innovation. Leading, mentoring, and managing the Search and Evaluation team, Fostering a high-performance culture, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and providing strategic guidance to team members in scouting, evaluating, and advancing potential opportunities. The ideal candidate will be a senior “buy side” leader with significant drug development expertise and a track record of success in search and evaluation. This individual should have a mix of large pharma and strong biotech or small company leadership experience, with an ability to navigate complex partnerships and drive successful outcomes. Relevant Experience: PhD preferred (in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, etc.). Senior industry leader with 10+ years of experience in drug acquisition and deal-making. A proven track record of identifying and successfully in-licensing assets that have progressed to clinical development or approval. Extensive exposure to the drug development process from discovery through to clinical development, including knowledge of regulatory, scientific, and commercial aspects of drug development. Deep relationships across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with a strong network to identify innovative partnership opportunities. Leadership experience in a biotech or smaller company, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in these environments. Strategic mindset with the ability to think long-term and align in-licensing activities with the company’s overall business goals.