Head, Immunobiology Open Innovation

Biogen’s Immunology Research Unit spans two key locations: Cambridge, MA, and our new West Coast Hub in South San Francisco. Our mission is to transform the lives of patients with severe immune-mediated diseases by developing novel targeted therapies with significant clinical impact, faster. We are seeking top talent to join us on this journey.

About this Role:

Biogen is seeking a scientific leader with deep immunology expertise and experience across a range of target biology and modalities in early discovery and development stage programs. This role involves 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 translating knowledge into potential therapeutic concepts is critical.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and develop a team of talented scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment across sites. They will mentor and support the professional growth of team members, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to propel discovery efforts focused on immunological diseases, with the aim of enhancing Biogen’s portfolio. Facilitating collaboration with key stakeholders both internally and externally to align strategies with broader R&D objectives and goals is essential.
• Strategic leadership is a key aspect of this role, as the candidate will iterate on the internal vision and roadmap for the immunology research unit, acting as a key scientific expert internally and supporting iterative updates to the overarching strategy. The candidate will work closely with business development teams to dynamically source innovation from external sources to complement portfolio needs, supporting external diligence and exploring business development opportunities to grow the portfolio.
• Working together across research units and centers of excellence is crucial for integrated efforts. The candidate will collaborate with leaders in development and commercial teams to ensure successful execution. They will also help design and conduct studies to understand disease biomarkers and patient groups, working with various scientists and strategy teams to turn advanced science into new therapies.
• Additionally, the role includes partnering with industry and academic institutions to advance research. This position is key to leading Biogen’s immunology research unit towards innovative and transformative solutions.

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. You possess the agility to stay ahead of trends in science, therapeutic discovery, and patient unmet needs. This position requires frequent onsite presence, including cross-site travel. Candidates must be within commutable distance or able to self-relocate.

Required Skills:

• Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant life science field.
• Extensive experience in drug discovery and development, with a strong track record of scientific leadership.
• Expertise in immunology and excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and teams across a global matrix organization.
• Minimum of 12+ 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.

The base salary range for this position is $200,000 – $275,000. Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location,and internal equity.  

Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.   

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees and their families' physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:  

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances 
• Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement   
• Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance  
• A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31) 
• Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 days off for Personal Significance 
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit 
• 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions 
• Employee stock purchase plan   
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year   
• Employee Resource Groups participation 

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.