Sr. Dir, Biology-Discovery

Merck•Cambridge, MA

7d•$194,100 - $305,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, Translational and Biomarker Lead will shape and oversee translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs, integrating discovery insights, human biology, and early clinical development. The role guides hypothesis-driven mechanistic, preclinical, in vivo, and biomarker studies and translates complex data into recommendations that inform portfolio decisions. As a leader of multiple teams, this person aligns priorities, develops talent, fosters accountability, and integrates diverse scientific expertise in a collaborative, matrixed organization. The role sits at the interface of Discovery, Biomarkers, and Early Development, influencing translational data generation from internal clinical studies and external collaborations. The individual identifies, manages, and executes research partnerships with academic investigators and CROs, particularly for patient sample acquisition, multi-omics data generation, and interpretation with computational and Data Science partners. The position also works across functions, including Clinical, Commercial, and Medical Affairs. The successful candidate will integrate data across disciplines to inform strategy, accelerate decision-making, and advance immunology programs from discovery into development. The position is based primarily in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and includes 10% travel. The role is regular status, with domestic relocation and visa sponsorship available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 20+ years, Master's degree with 18+ years, or Ph.D. with 10+ years in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field, along with relevant immunology research experience.
At least seven years of direct industry experience.
Knowledge and experience in immune-mediated diseases, including a strong understanding of molecular pathways driving disease, relevant clinical trial results, and the immunology and autoinflammation competitive landscape.
Experience ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases, including strategic fit and coordination of data generation and interpretation with computational scientists and other functions.
Experience shaping and executing discovery research and drug development in immunology, focused on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures.
At least five years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams, with demonstrated ability to align, motivate, and empower team members and build teams and develop talent.
Strong awareness of safety and environmental requirements.
Understanding of integration and partnering required for pharmaceutical development with Translational Medicine, Clinical, CMC, Regulatory, Operations, and other functional areas.
Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills, including the ability to work with senior-level managers and multiple cross-functional representatives.
Skills in assay development, biochemical assays, business development, external collaboration, high-performance team building, high-throughput drug screening, immunoassays, immunology, innovation, in vitro studies, mechanism of action studies, motivating teams, people leadership, research methodologies, and translational research.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a high-performing translational and biomarker research team; set scientific direction, prioritize portfolio opportunities, and foster a collaborative, rigorous, and innovative culture.
Drive the translational and biomarker research portfolio by identifying and advancing opportunities to interrogate assets using strategically structured in vitro systems, ex vivo studies with selected patient samples, and animal models.
Ensure clear linkage among mechanism of action, disease biology, PK/PD, and translatable clinical endpoints.
Oversee the design and execution of translational experimental plans, analysis strategies, and forward- and reverse-translational research studies with internal teams and external partners.
Ensure translational approaches are operationally feasible, fit for purpose, and ready for FIH/PoC studies aligned with early development indication plans.
Lead implementation of biomarker strategy across preclinical and clinical settings in partnership with Discovery, Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Translational Medicine, and Data Science teams.
Champion emerging technologies, platforms, and therapeutic modalities to support discovery and development of novel immunological disease targets, including small molecules, peptides, biologics, and T cell engagers.
Maintain and share awareness of scientific developments, research methodologies, platforms, and emerging modalities to strengthen team capability and portfolio decision-making.
Engage scientific investigators, KOLs, and external partners to enable high-quality execution, scientific exchange, and strategic collaboration.
Oversee preparation of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for conferences and peer-reviewed publications, ensuring scientific quality and appropriate team contributions.