Associate Director | Target Discovery Sciences

The Position

Are you interested in shaping the future of drug discovery with breakthrough science? As Associate Director Target Discovery Sciences, you will contribute significantly to the advancement of New Therapeutic Concept (NTC) Research at Boehringer Ingelheim. In this role, you will lead four specialized laboratories focused on target & drug discovery, driving research that translates into innovative, first-in-class therapeutic solutions for patients with unmet medical needs. Your team will deliver critical contributions across the NTC pipeline—ranging from validating target biology and establishing robust preclinical disease models to confirming their translational relevance in human disease. Leveraging cutting‑edge technologies such as high‑end histopathology, spatial transcriptomics, AI‑driven image analysis and advanced adeno‑associated viral vector systems, you will enable precise in vitro and in vivo profiling of drug candidates for both efficacy and safety.If you are passionate about leading a high performance team and translating science into meaningful therapeutic impact, apply now and help us transform patients’ lives through innovation.  
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Tasks & responsibilities

• In your new role, you will be responsible for the timely delivery of high-quality results across in vitro and in vivo target validation, early safety assessments, compound profiling in animal disease models, and the successful establishment of fit-for-purpose experimental models.
• You will make substantial, measurable contributions to the Discovery Research pipeline, delivering tangible impact within defined resource frameworks and budgets, even under challenging conditions in a fast-changing environment.
• Furthermore, you will design and implement robust technology strategies, including the effective use of external partners such as CROs, in close alignment with key stakeholders to create competitive advantage and strengthen a high-quality Discovery Research portfolio.
• You will play a key role in shaping the research portfolio, driving impactful contributions through both internal and external collaborations while providing strong team leadership to to increase value and propablity of success across the pipeline.
• In addition, you will continuously advance TDS sciences and technologies to ensure efficient delivery of high-quality assets along the entire research value chain, flexibly adapting to rapidly evolving portfolio needs within given resource constraints.
• Moreover, you will build and maintain a strong academic and pharmaceutical network to expand internal TDS capabilities in line with business needs and to attract top scientific talents to the organization.
• Finally, you will lead, coach, and inspire employees toward sustainable growth by promoting team science, living empowerment principles, and identifying and developing talent in alignment with our behavioral and empowerment values.

Requirements

• PhD in Life Sciences with 10+ years experience within the pharmaceutical industry
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in life sciences and pharmaceutical research
• Strong and inclusive leadership capabilities, with demonstrated ability to lead and develop both technical staff and scientific experts
• Expert with in-depth knowledge in the field of viral vectors, histology, spatial transcriptomics and AI-driven image analysis
• Solid experience and broad understanding of therapeutic area (TA) research sciences, emerging technologies, and scientific developments influencing TDS operations and strategic direction
• Comprehensive knowledge of TDS‑related scientific innovations and competitive strategies across academia and pharmaceutical/biotechnology organizations

Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. 

Ready to contact us?

If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Recruitment process:
Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until June 30th, 2026.
Step 2: Virtual meeting in the beginning of July
Step 3: On-site interviews by the end of July

Please include the following documents when applying for this position: CV
Please submit your application documents in English.