Biogen

Director, Biotherapeutics Discovery

Biogen$204K — $281K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, or related field
  • 12+ years of industry experience in biologics drug discovery
  • Proven success in advancing drug candidates
  • Deep expertise in antibody engineering and biologics workflows
  • Experience with bispecifics, fusion proteins, and conjugates
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor scientific teams
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration experience

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a high-performing biologics team
  • Support antibody discovery and optimization in partnership with the Cambridge team
  • Evaluate external innovation opportunities for biologics
  • Contribute to molecular design strategies across discovery programs
  • Initiate and shape discovery campaigns in partnership with various functions
  • Guide selection of candidates based on biological mechanisms
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance
  • Fitness & Wellness programs with reimbursement
  • Minimum of 15 days of paid vacation plus end-of-year shutdown
  • Company paid holidays and personal significance days off
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year
Full Job Description
On Site - South San Francisco.

About This Role

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
• 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


About Biogen

Biogen is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Biogen is developing a pipeline of possible medicines in neurology, neuropsychiatry, specialized immunology, and rare illness, and the company is laser-focused on its mission of helping humanity through science and building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world.

Biogen Careers

Join Biogen, a leader in biotechnology, and be part of a team that is dedicated to pioneering neurological and neurodegenerative diseases research. At Biogen, our mission is to lead the way in science and medicine, and we offer job opportunities that challenge and reward your professional growth. Work You’ll Do At Biogen, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects that help improve the lives of millions. Our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry provides a dynamic environment for both seasoned professionals and those at the beginning of their career. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from research and development to marketing and sales, Biogen is where your skills will help shape the future of healthcare. Join our diverse team and embrace the culture of excellence and collaboration that Biogen is known for. Here, every position contributes to our mission, driving us forward with shared purpose and vision. Biogen’s Employment Philosophy We believe in the power of our people and invest in their future. The growth and development of our team members are paramount, which is why we offer robust benefits, diversity training, and career advancement opportunities. At Biogen, leadership and innovation go hand in hand, fostering an environment where you can thrive. Internship and Early Career Programs Kickstart your career with a Biogen internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build a professional network that will serve you throughout your career. Our internships provide a platform to develop your skills and test your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you for full-time employment in the biotechnology field. Hiring Process Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate about making a difference. From the initial application and resume submission to the interview and final selection, each step is an opportunity to showcase your unique talents and potential. At Biogen, we look for individuals who are curious, creative, and eager to tackle new challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Biogen and find the one that best matches your skills and interests. We are constantly looking for individuals who are driven to explore, innovate, and lead. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work here. Biogen is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow, connect, and contribute to exciting, meaningful work. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you at Biogen and be part of our mission to lead in the biotechnology industry. Join Biogen today and be part of a team that is dedicated to redefining the boundaries of science and medicine. Your career at Biogen is not just a job—it’s a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment.
Learn more about Biogen
Size
9,610 employees
Market Cap
$39.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
1978
5 Year Trend
-0.8%
Revenue
$13.4 billion
NASDAQ

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