Director Functional Genomics (Billerica MA)

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.

The Role:

EMD Serono is seeking a Director, Applied Functional Genomics to join the Discovery Biology group within Research Unit Neuroscience & Immunology (RU-N&I) at our state-of-the-art research facility in Billerica, MA.

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a functional genomics laboratory from the ground up - establishing a world-class capability that accelerates our genetics-first approach to target identification and validation of disease-relevance across the Neurology & Immunology portfolio. You will work collaboratively with computational scientists, cell biologists, disease experts, and cross-functional scientific leadership to translate outputs into pipeline-advancing decisions.

What You’ll Do:

Establish and lead the functional genomics laboratory from inception - defining the scientific vision, experimental strategy, and operational infrastructure aligned with the genetics-first drug discovery approach.

Recruit, mentor, and lead a growing team of scientists - establishing SOPs, best practices, and a culture of scientific rigor.

Direct design and execution of pooled and arrayed CRISPR-based screens, genome engineering studies, cell line engineering, across disease-relevant human model systems (cell lines, primary immune cells, human iPSCs).

Translate CRISPR screen and genomic study outputs into prioritized targets, with quantified confidence in the biology and indication selection decisions that directly advance the Neurology & Immunology project pipeline.

Combine multi-omic datasets (single-cell, spatial, proteomics) and AI/ML-based image analysis for cellular phenotyping to accelerate target prioritization.

Lead data analysis and interpretation of screening outputs in close collaboration with computational scientists.

Build cross-functional partnerships across Discovery Biology, Computational Biology, Data Sciences and Innovation Clusters; represent the capability in governance forums and scientific meetings.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related life science discipline (or equivalent industry experience with demonstrated progressive scientific and leadership contributions).

10+ years of progressive responsibility in functional genomics, genetic engineering, or molecular biology within pharma or biotech environments. Strong foundation of hands-on technical expertise that has evolved into proven leadership experience directing research teams, managing projects, and driving scientific strategy in these disciplines.

Direct experience executing pooled and arrayed CRISPR, CRISPRi/a, Perturb-seq screens end-to-end from guide and library design through NGS sample preparation and first-pass analysis (MAGeCK or equivalent).

Proficiency in CRISPR genome editing across cell lines, primary immune cells, and human iPSCs (guide design, delivery, clone isolation, validation).

Experience with documentation practices in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology discovery setting.

Proven track record of building and leading high-performing scientific teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with multi-omics datasets, single-cell or spatial technologies.

Working knowledge of R or Python to support quality control, exploratory data visualization, and facilitate effective collaboration with computational scientists.

Why Join Us?

Build a foundational capability from scratch - rare opportunity to shape scientific direction at a leading global pharma company.

Work at the intersection of functional genomics, multi-omics, and AI in a genetics-first drug discovery environment.

Join a diverse, inclusive, and flexible working culture with great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Be part of a team united for patients - contributing directly to novel therapeutics in Neurology & Immunology.

Location: On-site Billerica MA

Pay Range for this position: $182,600 - $274,000

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!