Senior Director, Translational Immunology & Biomarkers

Merck; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 194,000 - 306,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior Director, Translational and Biomarker Lead to shape translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs, integrating discovery insights with early clinical development. You will lead multiple teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and mentor researchers to deliver mechanistic studies and meaningful biomarkers.

This high-visibility role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable

Qualifications

• PhD/MD or equivalent with extensive industry experience in immunology and translational research
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams and translational programs
• Experience shaping translational strategies for immunology with biomarker integration

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor translational and biomarker research teams, setting direction and priorities
• Drive portfolio opportunities with structured experimental plans linking MOA, disease biology, PK/PD, and translational endpoints
• Guide design/execution of translational studies in collaboration with internal/external partners for FIH/PoC readiness
• Provide leadership for biomarker strategy across preclinical and clinical settings
• Champion adoption of new technologies and modalities to advance immunology programs
• Maintain awareness of scientific developments to strengthen portfolio decision-making
• Engage investigators and partners for high-quality execution and collaborations
• Oversee abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for conferences/publications

Skills

Assay Development

Biochemical Assays

Business Development

External Collaboration

High Performance Team Building

High Throughput Drug Screening

Immunoassays

Immunology

Innovation

In Vitro Studies

Mechanism of Action Studies

Motivating Teams

People Leadership

Research Methodologies

Translational Research

Education

Immunology, Cell Biology or related field (with 10+ years of experience)

Tools

None

Job description

Merck in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior Director, Translational and Biomarker Lead to shape translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs, integrating discovery insights with early clinical development. You will lead multiple teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and mentor researchers to deliver mechanistic studies and meaningful biomarkers.

This high-visibility role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable