Director, Biotherapeutics Discovery
On Site - South San Francisco.
About This Role
At Biogen, we are committed to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and immunological diseases. In this role, you will lead biologics efforts for Biotherapeutics Discovery at Biogen's West Coast Hub in South San Francisco. You will drive cross-functional research and portfolio programs, shape the strategy around tomorrow's way of discovering biological drugs, and advance discovery innovation in close partnership with colleagues across the broader Research organization including key teams in Cambridge, MA.
What You'll Do
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while advancing biologics technologies and platform innovation aligned with portfolio priorities
• In strong partnership with the Cambridge, MA team, support antibody discovery, engineering, optimization, and candidate selection strategies across discovery programs
• Evaluate external innovation opportunities and help shape adoption of next-generation biologics capabilities
• Contribute to molecular design strategies, including multi-specifics, novel formats, affinity tuning, epitope targeting, and developability assessments
• Partner across functions, including protein engineering, computational design, pharmacology, translational sciences, Immunology, and Neurology, to initiate and shape discovery campaigns
• Guide modality and candidate selection based on target biology, mechanism of action, and translational considerations, and support early target assessments that test key biological hypotheses
• Coach and mentor scientists, fostering technical growth, scientific excellence, and strong collaboration
• Build an inclusive culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
Who You Are
You are a strategic and collaborative scientific leader with deep expertise in biologics discovery and antibody engineering. You bring strong scientific judgment, thrive at the intersection of biology and molecular design, and are motivated by solving complex problems in partnership with cross-functional teams.
You are also a strong people leader who is passionate about developing talent, enabling collaboration, and building high-performing teams that deliver meaningful scientific impact.
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, or a related scientific discipline
• 12+ years of industry experience in biologics drug discovery, including leadership of antibody discovery and optimization programs
• Proven success advancing molecules from discovery through candidate nomination
• Deep expertise in antibody engineering, molecular design, and biologics discovery workflows
• Experience across biologics modalities, including bispecifics, fusion proteins, and conjugates
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing scientific teams
• Strong track record of cross-functional partnership, including collaboration with disease biology teams
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence scientific direction across teams and sites
Additional Qualifications
• Experience in translational immunology and a strong understanding of immunology disease biology
• Experience partnering with Immunology or Neurology research teams
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• Background in early target assessment and discovery campaign initiation
• Experience identifying and sourcing external innovation through collaborations with CROs, biotech companies, or academic groups
• Familiarity with computational design or AI/ML applications in biologics discovery
Job Level: Management
Additional Information
The base compensation range for this role is: $204,000.00-$281,000.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees' and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- FSA
- HSA
- On-Site Gym
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Fitness Subsidies
- HSA With Employer Contribution
Parental Benefits
- On-site/Nearby Childcare
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Happy Hours
- Some Meals Provided
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Leave of Absence
- Personal/Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Sabbatical
- Volunteer Time Off
- Summer Fridays
Financial and Retirement
- Relocation Assistance
- Performance Bonus
- Company Equity
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Stock Purchase Program
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)