Director, Search and Evaluation - Immunology

Biogen, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 196,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life ins.

Fitness & Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Biogen, Inc. is seeking a Director of Search & Evaluation, Immunology, based at the West Coast hub in South San Francisco.

You will lead external growth opportunities through collaborations, licensing, and M&A, shaping Biogen's strategic direction in immunology and nephrology, with emphasis on the West Coast and Asia. You will work closely with Strategy and R&D, conduct due diligence, and present recommendations to senior leadership while building cross-functional partnerships across global

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences or related field.
• At least 12 years in pre-clinical development, clinical development, and/or search & evaluation.
• Track record in Immunology; nephrology experience is highly desirable.
• Broad knowledge of drug development and key R&D disciplines.
• Strong cross-functional project leadership.
• Experience presenting high-stakes proposals to senior management.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate inbound partnering and acquisition opportunities in immunology and nephrology.
• Lead cross-functional teams in early evaluations focusing on scientific and technical merit.
• Conduct scientific and clinical due diligence to advance opportunities to term sheet stage.
• Develop assessments and recommendations for external opportunities.
• Create written summaries and visual presentations for senior leadership discussions.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Nephrology knowledge

Preclinical & Clinical development

Strategic evaluation

Cross-functional leadership

Executive communication

M&A/Partnerships experience

Stakeholder alignment

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Job description

About This Role:

As the Director of Search & Evaluation, Immunology, you will be a pivotal member of Biogen's Corporate Development team. Reporting to the Search & Evaluation Immunology Lead, your role is to proactively identify and evaluate external growth opportunities, focusing on collaborations, licensing, and M&A within immunology and nephrology. Your expertise will be crucial in advancing Biogen’s pipeline, particularly targeting opportunities on the West Coast and Asia. Based at Biogen’s West Coast hub in South San Francisco, you will play a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and long‑term growth by integrating acquired companies and fostering partnerships. Your insights will contribute significantly to Biogen’s mission of transforming patients' lives with innovative therapies.

What You’ll Do:

• Work closely with Corporate Strategy and R&D Leadership to align external business strategies in immunology and nephrology.
• Proactively identify and evaluate inbound partnering/acquisition opportunities in high‑priority therapeutic areas.
• Survey the emerging scientific and technological competitive landscape in immunology, including lupus and nephrology diseases.
• Benchmark new opportunities and propose prioritization within immunology for further evaluation.
• Develop assessments and recommendations for external opportunities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in early evaluations, focusing on scientific and technical merit.
• Conduct scientific and clinical due diligence to advance complex opportunities to term sheet stage.
• Build networks to proactively survey the competitive landscape in immunology, covering pre‑clinical and clinical development programs.
• Scout new opportunities through systematic screens, conferences, and maintaining professional networks.
• Create written summaries and visual presentations to lead discussions with senior leadership on strategic opportunities.

Who You Are:

You thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment and are skilled at navigating complex projects. Your expertise in the scientific and competitive landscape of immunology allows you to develop strategic scenarios and make informed recommendations to senior management. You balance independence with teamwork, leveraging your insights to contribute meaningfully to Biogen’s growth.

Required Skills:

• PhD in the life sciences or related field (e.g., neuroscience, rare disease, drug discovery/development).
• Detailed understanding of the pharmaceutical drug discovery/development process, with at least 12 years in pre‑clinical development, clinical development, and/or search & evaluation experience.
• Track record of experience in the Immunology therapeutic area; experience in nephrology diseases highly desirable.
• Broad knowledge of drug development and key disciplines (R&D).
• Comprehensive experience of cross‑functional project leadership.
• Experience driving alignment with cross‑functional stakeholders to present sound evaluations to senior management.
• Experience presenting proposals of notable risk and complexity to senior management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in transactions is desirable.
• Fluency in Mandarin is desirable.

Job Level:

Management

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $196,000.00-$270,000.00. 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 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.

As Biogen recently acquired Apellis, you can find additional open jobs on our Apellis website Here.