Head of Translational Medicine and Early Development

Application deadline: November 29th, 2026
Location: Ballerup 2750, Denmark, Denmark
Contract type: Permanent
Job ID: 4988

Turn scientific promise into clinical progress. Build the proof-of-concept engine that helps LEO Pharma make smarter development decisions and bring meaningful innovation closer to patients.

Shape what comes next

How would you connect emerging biology, quantitative insights, and clinical expertise to shape the next generation of development programs? At LEO Pharma, you will lead Translational Medicine & Early Development, bringing together people, partners, and evidence to answer critical questions early. This is an opportunity to build capabilities, influence portfolio decisions, and connect scientific ambition with a clear path to clinical proof of concept.

Your role

You will build and lead an integrated proof-of-concept engine, translating biological hypotheses into clinically testable, quantitatively informed, decision-ready programs. Working across internal teams and external partners, you will establish mechanism-based rationales, meaningful patient strategies, and robust development plans. Your focus will be on generating the evidence needed to select doses, assess benefit–risk, and guide progression toward registrational studies.

Your primary responsibilities will be to:

• Lead translational and early-development strategy across programs, developing people leaders and subject-matter experts.
• Partner with Science, Search & Innovation and clinical teams to design early-phase studies demonstrating target engagement, proof of mechanism, and patient relevance.
• Integrate biomarkers, patient stratification, quantitative pharmacology, and modelling and simulation to optimize doses, regimens, endpoints, and study designs.
• Support clinical due diligence and integration of externally sourced assets, building partnerships that strengthen translational capabilities.
• Shape regulatory and cross-functional evidence strategies, translating complex findings into clear recommendations for project teams and governance forums.

You will also establish progression criteria and performance indicators that strengthen decision quality, evidence maturity, execution, and resource efficiency. Throughout early development, you will ensure efficacy hypotheses are considered alongside safety, tolerability, and therapeutic index.

Your qualifications

You bring scientific depth and leadership experience, with the ability to connect translational evidence to clinical and portfolio decisions.

We are looking for:

• An advanced degree in Medicine, Pharmacology, Translational Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline; MD and PhD qualifications are preferred.
• Significant leadership experience in translational medicine, clinical pharmacology, and/or early clinical development within biotech or pharma.
• Demonstrated expertise in early-phase studies in patients and healthy participants, linking mechanisms of action and biomarkers to dose selection and development strategy.
• A track record of building high-performing global teams, developing people, and integrating external assets and partnerships.
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions and evidence generation supporting registration and market access.

Experience with externally sourced innovation is strongly preferred; dermatology and/or rare-disease experience is beneficial. You combine strategic thinking with curiosity, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach, influencing effectively across a matrix organization.

Your new team

You will lead Translational Medicine & Early Development, with two line managers as direct reports, the group is in total 20 employees. You will report to the Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Development.

Your network will span clinical development, skin science, regulatory, safety, market access, and commercial colleagues. Together with external collaborators, you will connect expertise across disciplines to strengthen early development.

Contact and application

For additional information, please contact Talent Acquisition Partner, Sabina Ravn Lebech at saleb@leo-pharma.com

You do not need to upload a cover letter, but feel free to add a few sentences in your resume or CV on why this position has your interest.

Beyond the skin

Join LEO Pharma, a global leader in medical dermatology, as we go beyond the skin to make a lasting impact.  Our innovative approach sets us apart. We are dedicated to leaving a legacy that positively impacts patients, colleagues, and our planet.

At LEO Pharma, we believe in the power of individuals to drive change. Our flat organizational structure empowers you to make a visible impact and offers versatile roles for professional growth. We value diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, recognizing that our different perspectives, backgrounds, and attitudes enable us to make the best decisions. Join our passionate team at LEO Pharma and be yourself as we work together to make a difference.

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