Director of Immunology

Surf Search; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Search is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Immunology to lead drug discovery and translational biology programs focused on TNFR1 and TNFα signaling. You will shape strategy from target validation through lead optimization and development candidate selection, guiding a world-class team across immunology and translational biology.

The role requires building translational biomarkers and PD strategies, overseeing cellular pharmacology, primary human cell assays, and in vivo disease models,

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery experience.
• Direct experience with TNFα, TNFR1, or related inflammatory signaling pathways.
• Deep understanding of immunology, cytokine biology, intracellular signaling, and protein–protein interactions.
• Experience leading drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization or development candidate selection.
• Strong background in cellular pharmacology, primary human cell assays, and in vivo disease models.
• Experience developing translational strategies and pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific teams and external research partners.
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead immunology and drug discovery programs focused on TNFR1/TNFα signaling and inflammatory disease.
• Develop biological and translational strategies for modulating intracellular signaling pathways and protein–protein interactions.
• Oversee target validation, cellular pharmacology, primary human cell assays, and in vivo disease models.
• Establish translational biomarkers and PK/PD strategies connecting molecular mechanisms with human disease biology.
• Partner with medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology teams to advance discovery programs.
• Evaluate therapeutic differentiation and prioritize indications across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Establish program milestones, experimental strategies, and go/no-go criteria.
• Build and lead a high-performing immunology and translational biology team.
• Manage external CROs, academic collaborations, and scientific partnerships.
• Present scientific strategy and program progress to executive leadership, investors, and external partners.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Lead multidisciplinary teams

Translational biology

Pharmacology knowledge

Drug discovery leadership

Biomarker development

Cytokine biology

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline

Job description

Our client, an innovative biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, is seeking a Director / Senior Director of Immunology to lead drug discovery and translational biology programs focused on TNFR1 and TNFα signaling.

This individual will provide scientific leadership in developing novel approaches to modulate intracellular inflammatory signaling pathways and disease-relevant protein–protein interactions. The role will oversee biological strategy from target validation through lead optimization and development candidate selection.

Required Qualifications of the Director / Senior Director of Immunology:

• PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline
• 15+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery experience
• Direct experience with TNFα, TNFR1, or related inflammatory signaling pathways
• Deep understanding of immunology, cytokine biology, intracellular signaling, and protein–protein interactions
• Experience leading drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization or development candidate selection
• Strong background in cellular pharmacology, primary human cell assays, and in vivo disease models
• Experience developing translational strategies and pharmacodynamic biomarkers
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary scientific teams and external research partners
• Strong scientific communication and presentation skills

Key Responsibilities of the Director / Senior Director of Immunology:

• Lead immunology and drug discovery programs focused on TNFR1/TNFα signaling and inflammatory disease
• Develop biological and translational strategies for modulating intracellular signaling pathways and protein–protein interactions
• Oversee target validation, cellular pharmacology, primary human cell assays, and in vivo disease models
• Establish translational biomarkers and PK/PD strategies connecting molecular mechanisms with human disease biology
• Partner with medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology teams to advance discovery programs
• Evaluate therapeutic differentiation and prioritize indications across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Establish program milestones, experimental strategies, and go/no-go criteria
• Build and lead a high-performing immunology and translational biology team
• Manage external CROs, academic collaborations, and scientific partnerships
• Present scientific strategy and program progress to executive leadership, investors, and external partners

Occupational Code: 11-9121 – Natural Sciences Managers