Director, LNP Enabled Clinical Asset Development

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Merck is seeking a Director of LNP Discovery and Development to lead development of LNP assets in Immunology and Oncology from discovery through clinical development. The role emphasizes cross functional program leadership, IND enabling studies, and scalable manufacturing partnerships. You will guide delivery design, work with Translational Sciences on biodistribution and PK, contribute to regulatory strategy and IND submissions, and manage external collaborations with academia and CDMOs while mentoring teams. Ideal candidates hold an advanced degree and 8 to 10 years in biotech R&D with proven IND progression and strong communication. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight LNP success, cross functional leadership, regulatory contributions, and collaboration.

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join EMD Serono.

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.  

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Your role:

The Director of LNP Discovery and Development will provide scientific, strategic, and operational leadership for the development of clinical‑stage assets utilizing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and targeted LNP (tLNP) delivery technologies. This role supports EMD Serono’s Immunology and Oncology therapeutic areas by guiding programs from discovery through early clinical development, ensuring alignment with portfolio objectives.

In this role you will:

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of therapeutic area development activities for LNP‑enabled programs within Immunology and Oncology.
• Direct ‑cross functional program leadership teams through candidate nomination, IND‑enabling studies, and early clinical phases.
• Oversee the design, optimization, and characterization of targeted LNP delivery systems to support cell‑specific or tissue‑specific therapeutic strategies.
• Partner with Translational Sciences to develop and execute clinical translation plans, including biodistribution, PK/PD, immunogenicity, and mechanism‑of‑action assessments.
• Collaborate with CMC functions to ensure robust, scalable, and compliant manufacturing of LNP‑based drug products, consistent with CMC requirements for novel modalities.
• Contribute to regulatory strategy and author sections of IND/IMPD submissions; participate in interactions with global health authorities.
• Establish and manage external partnerships with academic institutions, technology providers, and CDMOs to advance LNP platform capabilities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for scientific and operational team members, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

Who you are:

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) in immunology, oncology, drug delivery, nanotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of industry experience in biotech/pharmaceutical R&D, with demonstrated expertise in LNP‑based therapeutic development.
• Proven experience advancing assets through IND and into early clinical development within Immunology and/or Oncology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex program matrices.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations for novel delivery modalities and experience contributing to regulatory submissions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex scientific concepts to internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with targeted drug delivery approaches, including ‑ligand directed or receptor‑specific LNP systems.
• Prior leadership in developing ‑immunomodulating or tumor‑targeting therapeutics.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation in emerging therapeutic modalities.
• Experience working in dynamic, fast‑paced environments with evolving priorities.

Impact of the Role

The Director will play a critical role in shaping EMD Serono’s next generation of Immunology and Oncology therapeutics by advancing precision‑engineered LNP and tLNP technologies into the clinic. This position directly contributes to the company’s mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients with serious diseases.

Pay Range for this position: $237,300.00 - $355,900.00 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!