Associate Scientific Director, Clinical Genetics

Biopharma Careers; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Equity incentives

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Biogen in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Scientific Director, Clinical Genetics within the Human Genetics team to translate clinical genetics and pharmacogenomics into late-stage research and development programs. You will help shape patient identification, trial design, and the thoughtful use of genetic data across development.

Reporting to the Head of Human Genetics, you will lead testing strategies for clinical trials, shape study protocols, and partner with cross-functional teams to

Qualifications

• Doctoral or medical degree in genetics, pharmacogenomics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in human genetics or pharmacogenomics in industry.
• Experience supporting late-stage research and clinical development.
• Strong knowledge of genetic testing platforms and data interpretation.
• Ability to communicate complex genetics concepts to non-specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical genetics and pharmacogenomics strategy across Phase I–III programs.
• Design genetic testing strategies for trials including technology selection and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate genetics findings into development decisions.
• Oversee regulatory considerations tied to genetic data usage.
• Mentor and collaborate with scientists across disciplines.

Skills

PhD/MD/PharmD

8+ years clinical genetics

Pharmacogenomics expertise

Clinical trial design experience

Genetic data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD, MD, PharmD or equivalent

Job description

About This Role

As the Associate Scientific Director, Clinical Genetics, you will join our Human Genetics team within Research and Development and help bring human genetics insights into late-stage research and clinical development programs. This role is focused on applying clinical genetics and pharmacogenomics expertise to therapeutic program teams as programs move from research into the clinic. You will help shape genetics-related strategies that support patient identification, clinical trial design, and the thoughtful use of genetic data across development. Working across multiple therapeutic areas, you will contribute to protocol planning, genetic testing strategies, and the interpretation of genetics findings in a clinical context. You will also help connect learnings from clinical studies back to research, creating opportunities for reverse translational work that strengthens future program decisions. Reporting to the Head of Human Genetics, you will be an important scientific partner across cross-functional teams and a key contributor to how human evidence informs development choices. Your work will help improve decision-making across the development lifecycle and support the advancement of differentiated medicines grounded in human data.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the clinical genetics and pharmacogenomics lead for programs across Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III clinical trial execution.
• Guide genetics-related strategies as programs transition from late-stage research into clinical development.
• Contribute to clinical trial protocols by advising on genetics objectives, patient identification approaches, and testing considerations.
• Design and implement genetic testing strategies for clinical trials, including selection of technologies, laboratory partners, vendors, and data interpretation frameworks.
• Lead vendor procurement activities for clinical genetics testing plans while accounting for relevant regulatory requirements tied to the use of genetic data.
• Support clinical project teams in the design, execution, and interpretation of pharmacogenomic analyses.
• Help develop processes and protocols for clinical trials that incorporate clinical genetics in a practical and scientifically sound way.
• Interpret genetic findings in a clinical setting and translate those findings into recommendations that inform development strategy.
• Apply knowledge of large-scale genomic datasets to support program decisions across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Identify and lead reverse translational research opportunities that inform target validation, patient stratification, disease characterization, clinical trial design, and treatment response.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to address scientific, operational, and regulatory considerations related to generating and using genetic data in the clinic.

Who You Are

You are thoughtful, curious, and motivated by the opportunity to connect human evidence with meaningful development decisions. You bring sound judgment and a practical mindset when working through complex scientific questions. You value working across disciplines and enjoy building productive relationships around shared goals. You are comfortable navigating change and bringing clarity to evolving situations. You care about scientific quality and about the real-world impact your work can have for patients.

Required Skills

• PhD, MD, PharmD or equivalent in human genetics, statistical genetics, pharmacogenomics, or a related scientific or clinical field with at least 8 years of experience in field of expertise
• 4+ years of experience in human genetics, statistical genetics, pharmacogenomics, or routine clinical genetic care in an industry setting.
• Strong expertise in human genetics, genomics, pharmacogenomics, and genetic testing.
• Experience supporting late-stage research programs and clinical development activities.
• Experience designing genetic testing strategies for clinical trials, including technology selection, laboratory partner selection, vendor selection, and data interpretation approaches.
• Strong understanding of the genetic testing landscape, including genetic platforms, genetic data analysis, clinical interpretation, and communication of genetic results.
• Strong understanding of the ethical and regulatory framework for human genetic data generation and use in clinical settings.
• Familiarity with variant interpretation and classification frameworks, including the use of clinical, population, functional, and computational evidence to assess variant pathogenicity.
• Experience working with large-scale genomic datasets and interpreting genetic findings in a clinical context.
• Experience working in matrixed, multidisciplinary team environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Successful track record working with human genetic data, demonstrated through protocol development, clinical trials conducted, institutional review board submissions, or peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting genetics, genomics, biomarker, or pharmacogenomics activities within clinical trials.
• Experience in clinical trial design and development of clinical study protocols.
• Experience applying genomic technologies to drug discovery and development, including safety and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion pharmacogenomics.

Job Level: Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $163,000.00-$225,000.00

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 onto 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.