Director & Head of in vivo IgG Discovery Merck KGaA - 3.8 Billerica, MA Job Details $214,900 - $322,300 a year 1 hour ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Qualifications Antibody screening & identification Patents Immunological laboratory techniques Team development Pre-clinical study projects Managing laboratory teams Doctor of Philosophy Pharmaceutical company experience Mentoring Leading team collaboration initiatives In vivo studies Project leadership Laboratory animal handling Senior leadership Full Job Description Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join EMD Electronics. Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us. Everything we do in EMD Electronics is to help us deliver on our purpose of being the company behind the companies, advancing digital living. We are dedicated to being the trusted supplier of high-tech materials, services and specialty chemicals for the electronics, automotive and cosmetics industries. We foster a global collaborative organization made up of individuals who have the passion to win, obsess about the customer, are relentlessly curious and act with urgency. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make more possible for our customers.

Your Role:

As Director / Senior Director, in vivo Antibody Discovery, you will establish and lead a dedicated team of scientists and associate scientists responsible for the in vivo antibody discovery engine at EMD Serono. You will define the vision, implement a high-throughput discovery strategy, and personally contribute scientific expertise across all phases of the workflow. Team & Laboratory Build-Out Design and establish a best-in-class in vivo antibody discovery laboratory, including infrastructure, workflows, SOPs, and quality standards. Recruit, onboard, and develop a team of scientists and associate scientists covering vivarium operations (animal maintenance and immunization) as well as hit discovery activities. Define team roles, responsibilities, and growth paths; foster a collaborative, rigorous, and innovative scientific culture. Develop and implement a strategic roadmap for high-throughput antibody hit identification, with clear KPIs and milestones aligned to portfolio needs. In vivo Immunization Lead and oversee multi-modal immunization campaigns in rodent models, including protein, DNA, lipid nanoparticle (LNP), nanodisc, and cell-based immunization strategies. Apply deep expertise in antigen design in collaboration with Structure Biology and Protein Sciences to maximize the quality and diversity of antibody responses. Ensure compliance with all institutional and regulatory animal care and use requirements Hit Identification & Paratope Retrieval Establish and operate state-of-the-art platforms for antibody hit identification, such as single B cell sorting, hybridoma generation and microfluidics-based screening. Ensure heavy chain and light chain pairing throughout the discovery workflow to preserve native antibody specificities. Implement reliable methods for genetic recovery of paratope sequences (VH/VL), including single-cell RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based repertoire analysis, and related technologies. Preclinical Program Support Partner within NBE, with Pharmacology, and Translational teams to advance antibody hits from discovery into lead optimization and IND-enabling studies. Contribute scientific expertise across the hit-to-IND continuum, including hit characterization, sequence/liability analysis, and early developability assessment. Represent New Biological Entities (NBE Technologies) function in preclinical project teams; provide regular program updates to senior leadership. Stay current with emerging technologies and competitive landscape; translate innovations into practical platform improvements.

Who You Are Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline At least 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry with a strong track record in antibody discovery. Deep, hands-on expertise in in vivo antibody hit identification from immunized rodents, including immunization design, B cell biology, and hit confirmation. Minimum 3 years of direct line management experience, with demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing scientific teams. Proficiency in maintaining heavy chain / light chain pairing fidelity across discovery platforms. Working knowledge of current state-of-the-art antibody identification platforms (e.g., single B cell technologies, hybridoma, display libraries, microfluidics). Hands-on experience with methods for genetic retrieval of antibody sequences (VH/VL) from individual B cells or bulk repertoires. Demonstrated ability to contribute to preclinical programs across the hit discovery to IND continuum. Track record of publication and/or patent contributions in antibody discovery.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience establishing a discovery laboratory and technology platforms in an industry setting. Familiarity with multi-modal immunization strategies including DNA/LNP, nanodiscs, and whole-cell immunization. Experience with next-generation sequencing-based antibody repertoire analysis and bioinformatic tools for V(D)J annotation. Knowledge of antibody engineering, developability, immunogenicity and early CMC considerations. Experience leading cross-functional project teams and presenting to senior scientific leadership.

Pay Range for this position:

$ 214,900- $322,300 The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress! Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!