Director, Antibody Screening and Characterization

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany • South San Francisco, CA

135d • $190,300 - $299,600 • Onsite

About The Position

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world's premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines. We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader in the role of Director, Antibody Screening and Characterization within the Discovery Biologics department at our South San Francisco site. The Director will be responsible for leading a team of scientists focused on Hit Finding in vitro characterization of antibody candidates across multiple Therapeutic Areas and biologics modalities using state-of-the-art methods and lab automation. As the head of a team responsible for delivering high quality characterization data to advance therapeutic programs from de novo discovery into lead candidate selection, this individual will be responsible for driving innovation in antibody screening in collaboration with both the broader Discovery Biologics organization as well as other teams across the network. Additionally, this person will help drive the advancement of hits and leads through the biologics pipeline and will co-lead projects with therapeutic area scientists. This role is a key interface within the global Discovery Biologics network and other drug discovery and development functions within our company, as well as with external academic and industrial partners. As a people manager, will be required to invest in the growth and development of current and future staff and to create a culture of collaboration and accountability to enable shared success. The leader will work closely with their team members to leverage strengths and identify opportunities to continually expand skillsets, leadership, and enterprise thinking. They will work to support the department's efforts to recruit diverse and highly skilled key talent to the organization and be a champion for diversity and inclusion. We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with eight (8) or more years of relevant experience.
• Track record in leadership and managerial roles in biologics discovery.
• Deep scientific knowledge of the workflows required for the discovery and progression of protein therapeutics to development.
• State of the art knowledge and experience in antibody hit finding screening and characterization (biophysical, functional).
• Strong technical knowledge of immunization-based de novo antibody discovery platforms and strategies.
• Strong technical knowledge of lab instrumentation to accelerate screening through miniaturization, homogenous assays, and high content screening.
• Prior direct management experience leading a team of scientists with a demonstrated passion for and track record of talent development of both people leaders and individual contributors.
• Project leadership experience across Discovery stages from early discovery and screening phases through preclinical development of therapeutic candidates.
• Track record of driving scientific and platform innovations.
• Established external reputation through high-impact publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement in biologics screening and characterization.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, bi- or multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
• Prior experience in due diligence and business development activities.
• Experience in managing external collaborations.
• Interest in establishing academic collaborations with a passion for publishing.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists in SSF Discovery Biologics focused on macromolecular interactions, cell based functional characterization, and lab automation to identify therapeutic antibody candidates to move into development.
• As a member of the Antibody Generation leadership team, work across groups within Discovery Biologics and with departments across the Company network to set and deliver on strategic goals in scientific excellence, talent development, and pipeline advancement.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional discovery project teams in partnership with therapeutic area scientists to create impactful therapeutic candidates.
• Foster a high-performance growth mindset culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion.
• Advance existing capabilities and knowledge with innovative and impactful methods, platforms, and workflow improvements, and stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific fields.
• Ideate and initiate new program concepts leading to pipeline programs in partnership with therapeutic area scientists.
• Actively attract and develop talent, including strategically leveraging diversity to strengthen the team.
• Manage priorities, resources, and investments aligned with the Discovery Biologics strategy.
• Promote the external reputation of the company's Discovery Biologics department.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family).
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree