About This Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Senior Scientist with drug discovery experience in diseases with an inflammatory etiology to join our growing Immunology Research Unit in South San Francisco. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in immunology, cellular and molecular biology, and/or a related scientific discipline, with demonstrated ability to design and execute high-quality studies that advance discovery and translational research programs targeting inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment at the nexus of basic research, translational science, and therapeutic innovation. The successful candidate will contribute to target identification and validation, lead optimization, biomarker development, and mechanistic understanding of immune-mediated diseases, while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners to help deliver transformative therapies for patients with significant unmet medical need.
The position requires a strong foundation in experimental design, hands-on assay development, data interpretation, and scientific communication, along with the ability to contribute to program strategy and evaluate emerging scientific opportunities relevant to Biogen’s immunology portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Conceive, design, and execute innovative in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate mechanisms underlying inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Identify and validate novel drug targets, biomarkers, and immune pathways relevant to immune-mediated disorders.
- Generate high-quality, decision-enabling data to support target validation, lead optimization, biomarker discovery, and translational research for priority immunology programs.
- Develop, optimize, and implement immunological assays, including cellular, biochemical, and functional assays using primary human or murine immune cells, patient-derived samples, and disease-relevant model systems.
- Analyze and interpret complex datasets with rigor and reproducibility, integrating findings across cellular, molecular, pharmacological, and translational endpoints.
- Communicate scientific findings effectively through internal presentations, cross-functional program updates, external conferences, and publications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry/synthetic medicine, protein engineering, computational biology, translational sciences, and clinical development to advance discovery and development programs.
- Contribute to program and portfolio strategy by identifying scientific gaps, emerging opportunities, and innovative approaches that could strengthen immunology drug discovery efforts.
- Support evaluation of external scientific opportunities, including mechanistic assessments, data review, and scientific due diligence in partnership with senior scientific leaders, business development, and corporate strategy teams, as appropriate.
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation by staying current with emerging biology, technologies, and therapeutic approaches in immunology and inflammation.
Who You Are
You are passionate about advancing immunology through rigorous science, creative problem-solving, and collaborative drug discovery. You thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and are motivated by the opportunity to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic strategies that may transform patient care. You bring scientific curiosity, strong experimental judgment, and a commitment to generating high-quality data that informs program decisions.
This position is based in South San Francisco, California and requires frequent onsite presence. Candidates must be within commutable distance or able to self-relocate to be considered.
Qualifications
- PhD preferred, or MS/BS with significant relevant experience, in Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience (MS with 6+, BS with 8+) in biotech/pharma drug discovery or translational research, preferably in inflammatory and autoimmune disease biology.
- Strong expertise in immune cell biology, including innate and adaptive immunity, cell signaling, cytokine biology, and immunological assay development.
- Hands-on experience with relevant techniques such as biochemical and cellular assay development, tissue culture, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, RNA and protein analysis, qPCR/RNA-seq, Jess or related protein analysis platforms, and/or functional genomics approaches.
- Experience isolating, culturing, and profiling primary murine or human immune cells and/or patient-derived samples.
- Experience with in vivo and ex vivo disease models of inflammation and/or autoimmunity.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively in team-based program settings.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex scientific data into clear, program-relevant insights.
- Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work across scientific disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in biotech/pharma drug discovery or translational research, particularly in immunology, inflammation, or autoimmune disease.
- Experience working with small molecules, biologics, and/or cell-based therapeutic approaches in drug discovery and development.
- Strong technical expertise in multiparametric flow cytometry, including high-dimensional panels, e.g., 15+ colors.
- Experience with multiomics analyses, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, or integrated biomarker datasets.
- Familiarity with translational biomarker strategy, PK/PD relationships, and preclinical-to-clinical bridge-building.
- Exposure to external opportunity assessment, scientific diligence, or competitive landscape evaluation is a plus.
