Director, Translational Biomarkers
About The Position
Vir Biotechnology is seeking a Director, Translational Biomarkers to lead biomarker strategy across its pipeline, from preclinical discovery through clinical development. This role involves translating complex immunologic and molecular insights into actionable plans to inform mechanism of action, dose selection, patient selection, and clinical outcomes in immune-oncology and related disease areas. The Director will lead biomarker design and execution for key programs, oversee advanced translational assays, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners. Responsibilities include managing scientists, contributing to regulatory filings, and building the infrastructure for cutting-edge biomarker science. This position is based at the San Francisco headquarters, with an expectation of at least 3 days per week in the office.
Requirements
- PhD and 10+ years, or MS and 13+ years, of relevant industry-focused experience in immune-oncology, immunology, or a closely related field, including drug and biomarker development from preclinical through Ph1–3 clinical stages
- Proven track record in designing and executing biomarker strategies, encompassing biomarker identification, validation, and characterization in vitro and in vivo to inform mechanism of action, dose selection, and patient stratification
- Deep subject-matter expertise in immunology and immune-oncology
- Proficiency with immunology assays (e.g., polychromatic flow cytometry, cytotoxicity, T cell function, antigen presentation, and other in vitro systems)
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement robust, qualified/validated biomarker methods for clinical use, including oversight of assay pilots and method validation with external vendors/CROs
- Strong background in contributing to regulatory documents in support of translational and clinical programs
- Familiarity with the development or application of diagnostic or companion diagnostic tests for patient enrichment, selection, or prediction of therapeutic efficacy
- Demonstrated scientific and people leadership, including managing scientists and leading cross-functional translational or biomarker teams
Responsibilities
- Serve as the biomarker lead for specific programs from preclinical through clinical development
- Develop and execute biomarker strategies, including design and oversight of preclinical biomarker assessments and contribution to clinical biomarker plans to inform dose selection and development of immune-oncology agents
- Plan and oversee the validation and execution of human immunologic and molecular methods in preclinical and clinical studies to meet biomarker objectives
- Support activities related to deliverables and documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., INDs, BLAs/NDAs) and contribute to authoring INDs, IBs, clinical study protocols, and related documents
- Manage pilots and method validation with external vendors to ensure robust, fit-for-purpose biomarker assays
- Collaborate with discovery, clinical, and data science colleagues to refine biomarker hypotheses, design studies, and analyze and interpret key datasets
- Lead a team, providing scientific guidance and mentorship in immunology and biomarkers while overseeing team performance and development
- Represent the Research function in selected external meetings, providing scientific input to support partnerships, due diligence, and program evaluations
- Help develop and manage internal and external resources, including CROs and academic collaborators, to advance biomarker discovery and implementation
Benefits
- health and welfare benefit plans
- non-accrual paid time off
- company shut down for holidays
- commuter benefits
- 401K match
- lunch each day in the office
- bonus
- equity
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
