Associate Director, Biology

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is the worlds leading product development partnership (PDP) dedicated to discovering developing and delivering affordable and effective antimalarial drugs.

MMV collaborates with government agencies private and public sector partners and clinical centers in malaria-endemic regions to bring lifesaving solutions to the people most affected by malaria. Our work is made possible through funding from various sources including government agencies foundations corporations and individuals.

We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Associate Director Biology to provide scientific and operational support and guidance to MMVs biology platforms novel technologies projects and modelling interfaces. This role ensures effective planning and execution of complex biology projects contribute to the development of innovative approaches and helps maintaining high standards across MMVs R&D portfolio. The Associate Director acts as a key liaison between internal teams and external partners ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with MMVs mission to advance antimalarial drug discovery and development. This expansion requires a senior scientist who can provide scientific guidance coordinate cross-functional workstreams and support MMV external collaborations. By taking responsibilities of the day-to-day oversight of biology activities the associate director will enable senior scientific leadership to focus on portfolio expansion strategic partnerships and governance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support and oversight for MMVs biology platforms and novel technologies projects ensuring alignment with organisational R&D objectives and portfolio priorities
• Oversee multiple complex biology projects defining scope timelines and quality standards to meet scientific and operational goals
• Drive cross-functional integration collaborating with modelling chemistry clinical science BD/legal and finance teams to ensure seamless execution
• Represent MMV externally building and maintaining partnerships with academic institutions industry collaborators and global consortia
• Lead process optimisation initiatives introducing innovative approaches to improve efficiency scientific quality and compliance
• Manage budgets and resource allocation ensuring cost-effective delivery and adherence to financial governance
• Ensure audit-ready documentation maintaining rigorous standards for SOPs data integrity and regulatory compliance
• Mentor and develop junior team members fostering capability building succession planning and a culture of continuous improvement
• Contribute to portfolio strategy providing scientific input to decision-making forums and governance committees
• Monitor and mitigate risks implementing proactive measures to ensure timely delivery of milestones and project continuity
• Champion innovation and knowledge sharing promoting best practices and new technologies across MMVs biology platforms
• Support organisational representation through scientific publications conferences and stakeholder engagement activities

Qualifications and Skills

Education and experience:

• PhD in biology parasitology biologics biochemistry pharmacology or related field
• Minimum 5-8 years experience in drug discovery or translational research including leadership of complex projects
• Demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional scientific programmes
• Proven track record of external collaboration and partnership development
• Experience in budget management and resource planning

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of biology platforms and assay development

Strong knowledge of parasitology malaria as an added bonus

Expertise in SOP governance and regulatory compliance

Ability to manage complex data sets and ensure data integrity

Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies

Familiarity with risk management and quality assurance processes

Behavioural Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships internally and externally
• High level of organisational and problem-solving skills
• Proactive and adaptable in a dynamic research environment

Location:GenevaSwitzerland

Starting date: 1st July 2026

Interested applicants should send their CV and a motivation letter explaining their interest in the position.

MMV is committed to building a talented and diverse workforce selecting candidates based on their skills abilities and experience. We foster an inclusive workplace free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion political beliefs age nationality disability gender or sexual orientation.

Our hybrid working model encourages in-office collaboration. For candidates residing in Switzerland we expect a minimum of two days per week in the office; for cross-border candidates residing in France at least three days per week.

For more information about MMVs activities please refer to our website

Non-mandated recruitment agencies are kindly requested to refrain from submitting applications.