Head, Immunobiology

Company Description

Biogen’s Immunology Research Unity is located across two geographic locations, Cambridge, MA and our new West Coast Hub, based in South San Francisco. We are specifically focused on transforming the lives of patients with severe immune-mediated diseases by developing novel targeted therapies with outsized clinical impact, faster. To accomplish this, we are seeking top talent to join us on our journey.

Job Description

About This Role:

Biogen is seeking a scientific leader with a proven track record in team management, drug discovery, and development spanning a range of small and large molecule modalities, with a preference for small molecule drug discovery experience. The role requires defining and executing an iterative research strategy, identifying promising targets and therapeutic modalities, and developing novel hypotheses and experimental approaches to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune indications. Staying abreast of the latest scientific advancements and aptitude to translate knowledge into potential therapeutic concepts is critical. Additionally, the role involves recruiting, developing, and mentoring a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment, and overseeing project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. A key responsibility is to source innovation from both internal and external sources to drive the research forward, which includes supporting external diligence and exploring business development opportunities to supplement internal research capabilities. In terms of drug development, the remit includes leading preclinical development of potential therapeutic candidates, collaborating with clinical development teams to translate preclinical findings into clinical trials, and supporting the design and execution of translational research studies to understand disease biomarkers and patient stratification.

What You’ll Do:

Management:

• Lead and mentor a team of innovative scientists located in Cambridge, MA, setting performance expectations and providing career development opportunities for team members.
• Manage project timelines and budgets.

Scientific Expertise:

• Provide expert scientific input on drug discovery and development decisions, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in the immunology therapeutic area and incorporate them into an iterative research strategy.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific conferences and in publications.
• Author and review reports in support of regulatory submissions.

External Collaborations:

• Build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders and academic researchers.
• Evaluate potential collaborations and partnerships to advance the strategy.
• Dynamically source innovation from both internal and external sources to drive research forward.
• Support external diligence and explore business development opportunities to supplement internal research capabilities.

Qualifications

Who You Are:

You are passionate about advancing the field of immunology through innovative research and strategic collaborations. With a deep commitment to scientific excellence, you thrive on driving discovery programs that have the potential to transform patient care.

This position is based in either Cambridge or South San Francisco and requires frequent onsite presence, including cross-site travel. Candidates must be within commutable distance or able to self-relocate to be considered.

Required Skills

• Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant life science field, extensive experience in drug discovery and development, a strong track record of scientific leadership, expertise in your therapeutic area, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and proven ability to manage complex projects and teams across a global matrix organization
• Minimum of 15+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with significant leadership experience in managing research teams and projects. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders, investigators, and internal and external stakeholders through a highly collaborative approach

Additional Information

The base salary range for this position is $246,000 – $338,000. Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & exp