Vice President, Head of Multiple Sclerosis and Neurorepair Research Unit

Job Description

The Head of the Multiple Sclerosis & Neurorepair Research Unit (RU) will serve as the single point of accountability for Research in this area, reporting to the SVP, Head of Research. (S)he will have the following core accountabilities:

• Develop a robust portfolio of preclinical programs focused on Neurorepair (neuronal and glial protection, as well as axonal survival and regeneration) and other innovative approaches to MS therapeutics, using the multiple modalities available to Biogen and ranging in stage from exploratory to pre-IND
• Collaborate with the MS & Immunology Development Unit (DU) Lead, and relevant commercial partners to design and execute on a coherent, unified MS & Neurorepair strategy
• Maintain core expertise in Immunology to develop novel MS therapeutics and to support Biogen’s AAV gene therapy platform
• Provide Life Cycle Management support for clinical and commercial MS and lupus assets
• Build a world-class research team of 30 scientists to identify and validate new therapeutic approaches
• Define an optimal combination of internal and external innovation to create a world-leading portfolio. Execute on licensing & partnership opportunities in collaboration with the External Portfolio Innovation Unit and Business Development
• As a member of the Research Leadership Team, provide guidance on overall strategy and drive scientific and operational integration with other RUs and Translational Biology.
• Communicate & champion disease area strategy & portfolio priorities to all levels of the organization within and outside of R&D, as well as externally to Biogen.

• Identify and pursue innovative targets for MS & Neurorepair
• For each program, define key experiments that are critical for target validation, and in vitro and in vivo pharmacology in order to establish a strong case for IND
• Manage and mentor research teams in the RU, as well as R&D Project Leaders, focusing on Biogen elements Pioneering, Agile and Inclusive to most effectively integrate changes in a rapidly evolving environment. Hire A+ talent in the organization and ensure the growth, development, and retention of staff
• Lead Biogen’s external and internal innovation in the MS & Neurorepair research space. Partner with Business Development and External Innovation to identify external opportunities
• Work effectively with the Head of Research, and MS & Immunology DU Lead, to ensure timely and seamless transition to clinical development for each program

#LI-JR1

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in Neurorepair research within academia or pharmaceutical/biotech industry. Prior involvement in clinical development will be an advantage but is not a requirement.
• Recognized internally and internationally for a deep understanding of relevant disease biology
• Strong record of leading teams and demonstrated ability to influence at the Leadership Team level
• Demonstrated ability to attract, develop, and retain talent
• Ability to drive data-based decisions involving internal and external stakeholders so as to deliver on organizational goals
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity

PhD or MD/PhD in a life science field

Additional Information

A significant proportion of all multiple sclerosis patients benefit from treatment with one of the drugs in Biogen’s extensive MS Portfolio. These – together with other excellent products that target neuroinflammation and the relapsing-remitting phase of the disease – have completely changed the prognosis for newly diagnosed patients. Nevertheless, MS has not been cured and, in particular, the disability associated with long-term progression is not satisfactorily addressed by any existing medication. The goal of Biogen is to fill this and other gaps by continued innovation in the MS space. Focusing on neuronal and glial protection, as well as axonal survival and regeneration, this strategy should also generate leads for other areas of Neuroscience where a need for CNS repair has been identified.