Associate Director, Biology

Disc Medicine; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Disc Medicine is seeking an Associate Director to join the Innovation team. You will design, oversee and interpret in vitro studies to advance our discovery pipeline and deepen understanding of target biology and mechanism of action.

This role offers hybrid work with remote options and the option to work at our Watertown, MA headquarters. You will lead cross-functional projects, develop experimental strategies, and contribute to biomarker efforts and lead molecule selection.

Qualifications

• PhD required with 10–12 years in biotech/pharma research.
• Hands-on experience with cell-based disease models for target validation and mechanism of action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication within cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership in planning, executing, and interpreting data in biologics discovery programs.
• Critically evaluate literature, synthesize hypotheses, and design rigorous experiments.
• Drive in vitro model development for target validation and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Contribute to biomarker identification/analysis for pathway modulation and disease modification.
• Support lead molecule identification, characterization, and selection.
• Communicate progress and findings effectively in cross-functional forums.

Skills

Biologics discovery leadership

Cell-based disease models

Scientific problem-solving

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Biology/Pharmacology/Biomedical Sciences or related field

Job description

Join our team in a dynamic hybrid role, offering flexibility to work remotely or from our headquarters in Watertown, MA.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Disc Medicine is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for patients who suffer from serious hematologic diseases. We are building a portfolio of innovative, first-in-class therapeutic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Disc Medicine values collaboration, professional development, and scientific integrity and promotes an inclusive company culture that empowers and inspires.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Biologist who will join Disc’s Innovation team as an Associate Director. This individual will contribute to biologic discovery projects by designing, overseeing and interpreting in vitro studies to advance our discovery pipeline and deepen our understanding of our target biology and mechanism of action. Working as an integral member of cross-functional project teams, the Associate Director will provide scientific expertise and help develop and execute experimental strategies that support key program objectives.

The Associate Director will contribute across the portfolio to programs at various stages of discovery and development, with meaningful opportunities to broaden scientific expertise, take on increasing responsibilities, and grow professionally.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide scientific leadership in the planning, execution, and interpretation of data in biologics discovery programs.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature, synthesize novel hypotheses and design rigorous experimental strategies to test them.
• Drive scientific rigor in building and validating disease-relevant in vitro models to enable target validation, mechanism-of-action studies, and candidate characterization.
• Contribute to the identification and analysis of biomarkers to support assessment of target engagement, pathway modulation and disease modification to understand mechanism of action
• Support the identification, characterization, and selection of lead molecules to advance pipeline programs.
• Communicate project progress and key findings effectively in cross-functional meetings, ensuring alignment with timelines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture, with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• D. in Biology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• 10 -12 years of related work experience with at least 5 years of experience working within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical research industry.
• Extensive hands‑on expertise developing cell‑based models of human diseases to understand disease biology, target validation, mechanisms of action and candidate characterization
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and independently, propose innovative scientific approaches, and apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex biological questions.
• Experience working with contract research organizations (CROs).
• Outstanding communication skills—both written and verbal with the ability to thrive within a collaborative work environment.

The annual base salary range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rates are determined by considering multiple factors including qualifications, relevance of experience, education & credentials, subject matter expertise, and internal parity.

Salary Range

$187,000 - $228,000 USD

Disc Medicine is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing all qualified candidates and employees equal opportunities. We offer comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation packages. The Company headquarters are in Watertown, MA, and we provide a flexible work environment.

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