Senior Director, Translational Immunology & Biomarkers

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

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Director, Translational and Biomarker Lead to shape translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs.

You will guide mechanistic, preclinical, in vivo and biomarker studies, integrating discovery and early development insights while leading multiple teams in a matrixed organization. The role requires strong people management, collaboration with Clinical, Data Science, and Regulatory teams, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable

Qualifications

• Experience leading translational and biomarker programs in immunology.
• Proven track record shaping translational strategies and interfacing with discovery and early development.
• Experience managing multiple teams and fostering collaboration across functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor translational and biomarker research teams, setting scientific direction and portfolio priorities.
• Advance translational and biomarker studies linking mechanism, biology, PK/PD and clinical endpoints.
• Oversee experimental plans, analysis strategies and collaboration with internal/external partners for FIH/PoC readiness.
• Provide leadership for biomarker strategy across preclinical and clinical settings.
• Champion adoption of emerging technologies and modalities to target immune-driven diseases.
• Maintain awareness of scientific developments and enable informed portfolio decisions.
• Engage investigators and external partners for high-quality execution and collaboration.
• Prepare abstracts, presentations and manuscripts with the team.

Skills

People leadership

Translational research

Biomarker research

Immunology

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (with 20+ years) in Immunology/Cell Biology

Master's degree (with 18+ years) in Immunology/Cell Biology

PhD (with 10+ years) in Immunology/Cell Biology

Tools

In vitro systems

Ex vivo studies

Animal models

Biomarker assay development

Job description

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Director, Translational and Biomarker Lead to shape translational and biomarker strategy for immunology programs.

You will guide mechanistic, preclinical, in vivo and biomarker studies, integrating discovery and early development insights while leading multiple teams in a matrixed organization. The role requires strong people management, collaboration with Clinical, Data Science, and Regulatory teams, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable