Senior Principal Scientist (Senior Director), Discovery and Translational Immunology

MSD•San Diego, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company's Discovery Immunology groups are developing a world-class pipeline to treat immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Dermatology. This role seeks an exceptional scientific leader with deep expertise in Immunology Discovery and Translational Research to join the Research & Discovery team in San Diego. The objective is to discover and develop next-generation best-in-class medicines to enhance therapeutic options for immune-driven diseases. This position is equivalent to a Senior Director and reports to the Associate Vice President, Immunology Discovery. The incumbent will serve as the Discovery Immunology Project lead on early-stage immunology programs, guiding projects from scientific rationale for target identification through translational research, target validation, differentiation, derisking, modality selection, and overall strategy during the Discovery stages. This scientific leader will also be crucial in building and executing the translational research strategy for Immunology. This strategic role interfaces with Discovery, Biomarkers, and Early Development, influencing the design and execution of translational data generation from internal clinical studies. The individual will also identify, manage, and execute translational research collaborations with academic scientific researchers and CROs. Key attributes include previous experience in translational science research, focusing on acquiring disease patient samples and multi-omics data generation and interpretation in collaboration with computational/Data science partners. Collaborating with various functions, including Discovery Biologics, Chemistry, Quantitative Biology, Computational Scientists, and Translational Medicine, the role involves defining and executing the discovery and translational strategy for multiple programs. The position is also responsible for early discovery programs, translational data, and biomarker discovery for portfolio pipeline programs in immunology, ensuring their successful and timely transition into Early Development.

Requirements

Bachelor's (with 20+ years), Master's (with 15+ 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 shaping and executing in discovery research and drug development in the field of immunology with a focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases
Experience in compound (small molecules, biologics, other modalities) discovery and design for a variety of relevant disease targets
Prior experience in ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases, including strategic fit, coordination of data generation and interpretation with computational scientist and other functions
Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures
A minimum of seven (7) 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
Participate in cross functional collaboration and support in the preparation of INDs and other submissions to health agencies for human clinical studies

Responsibilities

Work with the Associate Vice President Immunology Discovery SD Research & Development Division and other project leads on site as well as other Research & Development Division Immunology Discovery sites to define and execute drug discovery immunology programs in the portfolio as part of the Immunology TA strategy.
Closely collaborate with a cross-functional group of experts across Our Company to design and execute the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery.
Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular and functional assays required for design and execution of the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery and toward early development.
Partner closely with cross functional colleagues, including Computational Scientists (DAGS), modelers, PKPD, to advance projects forward through stages of Discovery.
Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular and functional assays that serve as biomarkers for prosecution of programs as they advance through the Discovery stages toward Early Development.
Contribute to discovery and creation of translational data strategy for immunology including partnering internally and externally in the generation of actionable science packages to identify, validate and execute novel targets implicated in the pathogenesis of TA disease areas including diseases in the Derm, Rheum and GI areas.
Collaborate with Translational Medicine and Biomarker colleagues for programs moving toward Early Development to ensure transition of early discovery biomarkers and biomarkers plans for execution during development stages.
Champion the use of new technologies and modalities to drive discovery and prosecution of novel targets in immunological disease through various modalities and approaches including small molecules, peptides, biologics, T cell engagers and others.
Actively contribute to the overall company's Immunology TA strategy.
Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings, research methodologies, novel platforms and modalities.
Attend appropriate scientific meetings to maintain cutting edge knowledge and competency in the field.