Eli Lilly

Associate Vice President Pain Early Development

Eli Lilly • $265K — $453K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Medical Doctor, board eligible or certified in a relevant specialty or equivalent post-medical school training.
  • 12+ years of experience in analgesic clinical development or pharmaceutical medicine.
  • Non-U.S. trained physicians must meet Liaison Committee on Medical Education requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead clinical development strategy for early-phase Pain portfolio.
  • Establish governance frameworks for portfolio decision-making.
  • Ensure visibility into Pain portfolio health and development opportunities.
  • Align clinical strategy with business objectives and drive accountability for implementation.
  • Integrate tissue biomarkers and diagnostics into Pain development programs.
  • Define external focus areas for the Pain portfolio, including partnerships.
  • Lead global regulatory interactions and scientific engagement initiatives.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for participation in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Well-being benefits including fitness and employee assistance programs.
  • Vacation benefits and certain time-off policies.
Full Job Description
The Global Lead, Pain Early Development is a senior medical and scientific leadership role reporting to Lilly Research Laboratories and Neuroscience Business Unit leadership. This leader provides medical and strategic direction for all Pain products across the early-phase portfolio, overseeing clinical development from first patient dose through end of Phase 2 or commercial decision point.

This role is central to advancing Lilly's commitment to bringing differentiated solutions for pain through innovative modalities and accelerated development approaches. The Global Lead partners across Neuroscience, Lilly Research Laboratories, and the Medicines Development Unit to shape clinical strategy, drive portfolio delivery, and represent Lilly's pain agenda with regulatory bodies and the external scientific community.

Key Responsibilities:

Portfolio Strategy & Clinical Development
  • Define and lead the integrated clinical development strategy for the Neuroscience Pain early-phase portfolio, spanning compounds in discovery through Phase 2.
  • Establish governance frameworks and decision-making processes for early portfolio programs, including go/no-go decisions and stage-gate reviews.
  • Provide enterprise-wide visibility into Pain portfolio health, pipeline gaps, and development opportunities to senior leadership.
  • Partner with Lilly Research Laboratories and the Medicines Development Unit to align clinical strategy with long-range business objectives.
  • Drive accountability for the full clinical implementation of the Pain portfolio with a focus on innovative and accelerated development approaches.
  • Establish clinical strategy and ensure appropriate integration of tissue biomarkers and diagnostics into Pain development programs.
  • Contribute to global alignment of clinical plans with business unit and LRL priorities, including Draft Launch Labels and Value Propositions addressing patient, provider, and payer needs.


External Innovation & Business Development
  • Define where the Pain portfolio will focus externally - including priority biology, novel modalities, diagnostics, and academic collaborations - to address current and future portfolio needs.
  • Provide leadership for establishing new business development areas and academic partnerships in Pain.
  • Apply portfolio-level prioritization frameworks, balancing scientific opportunity, strategic fit, risk, timing, and unmet medical need.
  • Serve as the Neuroscience Pain authority on how external innovation - including RNA silencing techniques, genetic therapies, and emerging delivery modalities - strengthens portfolio resilience and differentiation.
  • Drive the successful execution and integration of partnerships and collaborations involving the Pain portfolio.


Regulatory Affairs & Scientific Engagement
  • Lead interactions with global regulatory bodies and other governmental agencies as needed to advance the clinical development of pain molecules.
  • Engage external medical and scientific experts to represent Lilly and involve them in molecule development and clinical trial implementation.
  • Lead the scientific data disclosure strategy for the Pain clinical development portfolio, overseeing protocols, study reports, publications, and regulatory submissions.
  • Represent Lilly Neuroscience in external scientific forums and meetings, serving as a credible ambassador for the Pain portfolio.
  • Oversee compliance with adverse event reporting requirements as mandated by corporate patient safety standards.


Early Portfolio Program Oversight
  • Oversee the integration of early-stage Pain program strategy across Neuroscience, ensuring alignment with current and future business unit priorities.
  • Drive awareness and alignment on program governance milestones, go/no-go decision frameworks, and stage-gate reviews for early-stage pipeline.
  • Manage portfolio-level risk assessment and scenario planning for early-stage investments in pain.
  • Establish strategy for the Neuronal Health emerging therapeutic area in coordination with broader Neuroscience leadership.
  • Champion early portfolio Pain assets across cross-functional teams and external collaborators, bridging scientific and commercial perspectives.


Leadership & Capability Stewardship
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-caliber cross-functional team with strengths in clinical strategy, scientific assessment, and pain drug development.
  • Serve as a senior role model and culture carrier, reinforcing Lilly leadership behaviors including enterprise thinking, accountability, sound judgment, and constructive challenge.
  • Establish and continuously evolve capabilities, frameworks, and operating models that strengthen how Neuroscience identifies, evaluates, and advances Pain programs.
  • Elevate the quality of strategic dialogue by coaching leaders and teams on portfolio thinking, translational science, and trade-off-based decision making.
  • Foster strong cross-functional alignment, enabling effective collaboration across R&D, Medical Affairs, Commercial, Corporate Affairs, and Enterprise External Innovation.
  • Act as a trusted leader and advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decisions through scientific credibility, insight, and synthesis.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Medical Doctor must be board eligible or certified in a medical specialty relevant to the role or have completed the comparable level of post-medical school clinical training relevant to the country of hiring. U.S. trained physicians must have achieved board eligibility or certification. Foreign medical graduates in U.S. based jobs, who are not U.S. board eligible or certified may be hired directly for employment in the U.S. at the discretion of the Chief Medical Officer.
  • Non-U.S. trained physicians must have completed education and training at a medical school that meets the requirements of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). For the recognized list of foreign medical schools and the disapproved list, see http://www.in.gov/pla/professions/medical-physicians-and-osteopathic-physicians-home/medical-licensing-information/
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in analgesic clinical development or pharmaceutical medicine.


Additional Preferences
  • Deep therapeutic area expertise in pain, including chronic pain.
  • Demonstrated leadership in early-phase clinical development strategy and portfolio delivery.
  • Proven ability to influence senior leaders and shape strategic decisions in complex, matrixed organizations.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation skills with excellent written and verbal English communication.
  • Track record of leading and influencing cross-functional teams at a senior level.
  • Willingness to engage in domestic and international travel to support the business as needed.
  • Knowledge of drug development with a specific focus on early development; experience spanning multiple modalities preferred.
  • Background in external innovation strategy, academic collaborations, or business development in neuroscience or pain.
  • Familiarity with evolving therapeutic modalities including RNA silencing, gene therapy, and novel delivery approaches.
  • Comfort operating with ambiguity and establishing direction in evolving scientific spaces.
  • Track record of driving alignment across R&D, Medical, Commercial, and Corporate Affairs.
  • Experience leveraging data, analytics, and emerging technologies to inform clinical strategy and prioritization.


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$265,500 - $453,200

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

#WeAreLilly

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ
LLY
* Ladders Estimates

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