R&D Pipeline and Innovation Manager (f/m/d)

AOP Health is the European pioneer for integrated therapies for rare diseases and in critical care. To enhance our team in Vienna we are looking for an:

In this role, you ensure strategic oversight and continuous optimization of AOP’s R&D portfolio. You act as a cross-functional integrator for scientific, commercial, and competitive insights and align R&D activities with corporate strategy.

• Lead and coordinate evaluations of early-stage drug candidates, aligning with scientific, clinical, and regulatory criteria.
• Support portfolio prioritization using structured frameworks and provide clear documentation for decision-making.
• Develop early-stage business cases including development plans, timelines, cost estimates, and valuation scenarios.
• Advanced analytics (e.g., rNPV, Monte Carlo) and scenario modeling.
• Conduct competitive and scientific landscaping to monitor emerging assets, platforms, and R&D strategies.
• Generate strategic insights through horizon scanning and regulatory/clinical trend analysis.
• Facilitate cross-functional input across R&D, BD, and Commercial to align assumptions and risks.
• Represent AOP at partnering events and scientific conferences, supporting asset scouting and early evaluations.
• Coordinate joint evaluation processes and external collaborations, maintaining alignment with AOP’s portfolio needs.
• Prepare decision materials for governance, including summaries, risk/benefit assessments, and recommendations.

• Advanced degree (MSc, PhD, PharmD, MD) in life sciences or related field.
• 5-8 years of relevant industry experience in R&D operations, early development, portfolio management, or business development.
• Demonstrated understanding of the drug development process from discovery through early clinical phases.
• Experience with asset evaluation, diligence coordination, and development planning.
• Competency in financial modeling and business case preparation.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to convey complex ideas clearly across scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Strong change-management and negotiation skills
• Fluency in English, German is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in project scoping, feasibility studies, and budget planning
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Scrum) and governance best practices.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or healthcare industries is an advantage

• An open corporate culture with the opportunity to contribute your own ideas
• Working independently in a collegial and committed team
• Modern working environment with good public transport connections (U4 - Heiligenstadt)
• Flexible working hours (flexitime/time-out days), bonus scheme, additional benefits and employee events
• Structured onboarding and support through a buddy system
• Gross annual salary provided for this function is a minimum of EUR 75.000.- based on full-time employment (38,5h/week). Any potential overpayment depends on professional experience and qualifications.