Sr. Dir, Biology-Discovery

MSD • Cambridge, MA

7d • $194,100 - $305,600 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader with deep expertise in immunology, translational science, and biomarker research to join our Discovery Immunology Team. This individual will help advance our mission to discover and develop best-in-class medicines for patients with immune-driven diseases.
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 will guide hypothesis-driven mechanistic, preclinical, in vivo, and biomarker studies, translating complex data into clear recommendations that inform decisions across the portfolio. As a leader of multiple teams, this individual must bring strong people management skills to align priorities, develop talent, foster accountability, and create an environment where diverse scientific expertise is effectively integrated. The Senior Director will build and mentor teams capable of rigorous research and disciplined execution in a highly collaborative, matrixed organization.
This strategic and highly visible role sits at the interface of Discovery, Biomarkers, and Early Development, with responsibility for influencing translational data generation from internal clinical studies and external collaborations. The individual will identify, manage, and execute research partnerships with academic investigators and CROs, with particular emphasis on patient sample acquisition, multi-omics data generation, and interpretation in collaboration with computational and Data Science partners. Success in this role will require the ability to work effectively across functions, including with Clinical, Commercial, and Medical Affairs counterparts.
The ideal candidate will integrate data across disciplines to inform strategy, accelerate decision-making, and advance immunology programs from discovery into development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's (with 20+ years), Master's (with 18+ years) or Ph.D. (with 10+ years) in Immunology, Cell Biology or related field and relevant immunology research experience, with at least seven (7) years of direct industry experience
• Knowledge and experience of immune-mediated diseases including a strong understanding of molecular pathways driving disease and of relevant clinical trial results and competitive landscape in immunology and autoinflammation.
• Prior experience in ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases, including strategic fit, coordination of data generation and interpretation with computational scientists and other functions
• Prior experience shaping and executing in discovery research and drug development in the field of immunology with a focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases
• Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures
• A minimum of five years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams and proven leadership with the ability to align, motivate and empower team members and a demonstrated passion for team building and talent development
• Strong awareness of safety and environmental requirements
• A good understanding of integration and partnering necessary for pharmaceutical development with Translational Medicine, Clinical, CMC, Regulatory, Operations, and other functional areas
• Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills with the ability to work with senior level managers in meeting venues that include multiple cross-functional representatives

Nice To Haves

• Assay Development
• Biochemical Assays
• Business Development
• Cross-Cultural Awareness
• External Collaboration
• High Performance Team Building
• High Throughput Drug Screening
• Immunoassays
• Immunology
• Innovation
• In Vitro Studies
• Mechanism of Action Studies
• Motivating Teams
• People Leadership
• Pharmaceutical Biology
• Research Methodologies
• Translational Research

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing translational and biomarker research team, setting scientific direction, prioritizing portfolio opportunities, and fostering a collaborative, rigorous, and innovative culture.
• Drive the translational and biomarker research portfolio by identifying and advancing opportunities to interrogate assets through strategically structured experiments, including in vitro systems, ex vivo studies using selected patient samples, and animal models, ensuring clear linkage among mechanism of action, disease biology, PK/PD, and translatable clinical endpoints.
• Oversee and guide the team in the design and execution of translational experimental plans, analysis strategies, and forward- and reverse-translational research studies in collaboration with internal teams and external partners, ensuring operational feasibility, fit-for-purpose approaches, and readiness for FIH/PoC studies aligned with early development indication plans.
• Provide leadership for biomarker strategy implementation across preclinical and clinical settings in partnership with Discovery, Non-Clinical Drug Safety, Translational Medicine, and Data Science teams.
• Champion adoption of emerging technologies, platforms, and therapeutic modalities to enable discovery and prosecution of novel targets in immunological disease, including small molecules, peptides, biologics & T cell engagers
• Maintain and share awareness of scientific developments within the area of expertise, including new findings, research methodologies, novel 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 and guide preparation of abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for conferences and peer-reviewed publications, ensuring scientific quality and appropriate team contributions.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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