Head, Immunobiology

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.

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.

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

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 & 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.