Head of Immunobiology Therapeutic Innovation

Company: Biogen
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: February 2, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description About This Role Biogen is seeking an accomplished scientific leader to serve as Head of Immunobiology Therapeutic Innovation within the Immunology Research Unit (IRU). This newly created role will define and execute Biogen’s strategy for emerging therapeutic modalities in immunology, driving innovation from early discovery through early development. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in sourcing and advancing external innovation under Biogen’s Open Innovation model, which prioritizes leveraging the best ideas—internal or external—to accelerate breakthrough science. This includes identifying and assessing new opportunities, leading initial diligence activities, and supporting collaborations with academic institutions, biotech partners, and start-ups. Working closely with Biogen’s Business Development and Ventures teams, this leader will help bring forward cutting-edge platforms and modalities—such as immune cell engagers, protein homeostasis technologies, peptide macrocycles, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)—while expanding into emerging areas of biology, including stromal biology and tissue-immune interactions, applying the most effective modality strategies to address complex disease mechanisms. What You’ll Do: Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Advancement - Define and execute a forward-looking strategy for modality innovation across autoimmune and inflammatory indications. - Drive programs from target validation through IND-enabling studies, ensuring robust mechanistic and disease-relevant data packages. - Partner with translational medicine, clinical development, and external collaborators to accelerate portfolio progression. External Innovation & Ventures Collaboration - Serve as a scientific lead for evaluating external opportunities in emerging modalities and immunology platforms. - Collaborate with Biogen’s Business Development, External Innovation, and Ventures teams to identify, assess, and integrate partnerships, licensing, and investment opportunities. - Represent Biogen in external scientific forums, consortia, and strategic collaborations. Team Leadership & Talent Development - Build and lead a high-performing team focused on modality innovation and translational immunology. - Foster a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and diversity. - Mentor and develop talent across levels. - Scientific Expertise & Thought Leadership Act as a subject matter expert in immunobiology and emerging therapeutic modalities, including: - Next-generation immune cell engagers - Novel bispecific antibodies - Protein homeostasis platforms - Peptide macrocycles - Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) - Stay ahead of scientific trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions. - Contribute to publications, presentations, and thought leadership in the field. Who You Are A strategic thinker and scientific innovator with deep expertise in immunology and a proven track record in drug discovery and early development. You thrive in a dynamic, matrixed environment and are passionate about translating cutting-edge science into transformative therapies for patients. Required Skills: - Ph.D. in Immunology or related field with 15 years of industry or academic experience. - Proven track record of leading discovery and translational programs from early discovery into clinical development. - Strong understanding of immunobiology and emerging therapeutic modalities. - Experience managing scientific teams and driving portfolio strategy. - Demonstrated ability to lead external collaborations and diligence efforts. Preferred Skills: - Experience with both large and small molecule drug discovery and development. - Familiarity with autoimmune disease models and application to human disease biology. - Prior involvement in business development, external innovation, or venture activities. SM-1 Job Level: Management Additional Information The base compensation range for this role is: $250,000.00-$344,000.00 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 our DE&I efforts. 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.

Keywords: Biogen, Santa Cruz , Head of Immunobiology Therapeutic Innovation, Science, Research & Development , San Francisco, California