Senior Director
Scientific ResearchPosted 17 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Senior Director, Discovery Oncology, T-Cell Engagers”
Posted 17 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Senior Director, Discovery Oncology, T-Cell Engagers”
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
| Base salary | US$194,000 – US$305,500 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyBioengineering, Oncology, Biophysics, Biologics, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Toxicology (or related)
Study levelDoctorate
Job Description
Discovery Oncology is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to shape and drive the discovery and advancement of the next generation of our company's Oncology therapeutics. Come join an incredible team steeped in a history of scientific excellence and successful drug discovery.
The successful candidate will lead a team at our company's site in Boston delivering on the Oncology pipeline. They will be the strategic leader for Oncology protein-based therapeutics in Boston, including T cell engagers. They will develop and execute a comprehensive pipeline strategy, partnering across our company to expand our portfolio. This leader will work tightly with clinical, translational, and business development colleagues to build and progress an effective pipeline of compelling medicines, from discovery through late-stage development. The successful candidate will have a strong record of scientific excellence, thoughtful strategic planning, and inspiring people leadership.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a forward-thinking pipeline strategy, shaping the future of our company's Oncology therapeutics with a focus on T cell engagers and other protein-based modalities.
Leverage your deep understanding of cancer biology and the current internal and external oncology landscape to evaluate the opportunity of new therapeutics.
Provide strategic oversight for programs as they transition from early discovery into and through late-stage clinical development, ensuring continuity and alignment with the overall asset strategy.
Drive key milestones for pipeline advancement, from preclinical candidate selection through to IND-enabling studies and support for early clinical development.
Lead business development evaluations from a scientific perspective, identifying and championing external assets and platforms that align with our strategic vision.
As a member of the Discovery Oncology Leadership team, meaningfully contribute to the development and execution of strategy and the growth and development of staff.
Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion. Establish strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives.
Required Qualifications / Education:
Ph.D. in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Oncology, Biophysics, Biologics or a related STEM field with 10+ years of post-degree experience in industry or equivalent.
An extensive background in immuno-oncology with a proven ability to translate deep scientific insights into drug development strategies from discovery through late-stage development.
A proven track record of successfully advancing multiple drug candidates into the clinic, including direct, hands-on experience with IND filings.
Experience managing a group of senior and junior scientists with a track record of achievements, including project leadership and strategic contributions.
Ability to build strong relationships within highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives.
Excellent attention to detail and strong communication (oral and written) skills.
Highly self-motivated and capable of prioritizing deliverables among multiple projects.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Preference will be given to candidates with a deep T cell biology background with extensive biotech/pharmaceutical experience.
Experience with modalities beyond T cell engagers is beneficial, particularly including antibody-drug conjugates.
Required Skills:
Assay Development, Biochemistry, Biologics, Cancer, Cancer Biology, Cancer Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Drug Discovery Research, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Innovation, Mentorship, Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Oncology, People Leadership, Strategic Management, Strategic Planning, T Cell Biology, T Cell Immunology, T Cells, Tumor Biology
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.
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The salary range for this role is
$194,100.00 - $305,600.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
07/24/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.