Scientific Director, Neurology Research Strategy and Innovation

Role Summary

Scientific Director of Neurology Research Strategy & Innovation responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision of the Neurology Research Unit (NRU) portfolio. Senior-level, individual contributor role reporting to the Head of Neurology Research and NRU Leadership Team, collaborating across Research and Biogen to align transversal topics and external opportunities with internal IND delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the evolution of the NRU strategic narrative aligned with the company‚Äôs mission and open innovation principles.
• Lead strategic assessment of emerging biology domains toward actionable conclusions.
• Lead communication of NRU strategic priorities internally and externally.
• Champion value creation for the NRU portfolio by integrating breakthrough science and technology opportunities.
• Identify, assess, and integrate external data and opportunities through partnerships to enrich the internal pipeline and support IND delivery.

As part of the open innovation model, identify, assess and integrate external opportunities to enrich and optimize the internal pipeline and support strategically aligned INDs into clinical development.

Strategic Leadership

• Drive NRU portfolio prioritization and strategic decision-making, focusing on emerging biology and external innovation.
• Act as a scientific and operational thought leader, integrating cross-functional insights and external intelligence into NRU strategy.
• Evaluate intersecting biology areas with Immunology Research Unit (IRU), such as neuroinflammation, for synergistic value creation.

Scientific Expertise

• Serve as an expert in neurology with deep expertise across transversal and emerging biology to balance risk in the neurology pipeline and invest in first-in-class opportunities.
• Evaluate scientific trends and technologies to identify high-value opportunities for partnership, acquisition, or internal development.
• Lead initiatives to advance neuroscience research, including biomarkers, translational tools, and disease mechanisms with R&D partners.

External Innovation & Collaboration

• Identify and cultivate external partnerships with academia, biotech, and other innovators to enhance NRU capabilities and portfolio.
• Represent NRU at scientific conferences and forums to stay at the forefront of neuroscience research and reinforce thought leadership.
• Collaborate with External Innovation colleagues to maintain alignment and efficient assessment of opportunities.

Portfolio Management & Execution

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver on Neurology Research pipeline objectives.
• Support the Head of Neurology Research in monitoring progress and ensuring strategic alignment.
• Develop metrics and systems to assess innovation initiatives.

Transversal Topic Leadership

• Lead transversal topics (neuroinflammation, emerging biology, external innovation) within the broader neurology and company strategy.
• Facilitate cross-functional discussions to drive innovative solutions and create opportunities across the Neurology portfolio.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a life-science field (neurology, neuroscience, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology).
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in academia or pharmaceutical/biotech settings with a track record of scientific excellence.
• Expertise in translational research, drug discovery, and relevant biology.
• Ability to influence in a matrix environment and at the leadership team level.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to synthesize complex data and make actionable decisions.
• Effective communication across levels and ability to present complex ideas clearly.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and identify opportunities in emerging science.