Associate Director, Biology

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is the world’s 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 MMV’s biology platforms, novel technologies projects, and modelling interfaces. This role ensures effective planning and execution of complex biology projects, contributes to the development of innovative approaches and helps maintain high standards across MMV’s R&D portfolio. The Associate Director acts as a key liaison between internal teams and external partners, ensuring scientific excellence and alignment with MMV’s mission to advance antimalarial drug discovery and development.

This expansion requires a senior scientist who can provide scientific guidance, coordinate cross‑functional work streams, 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.

• Provide support and oversight for MMV’s 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 MMV’s biology platforms
• Support organisational representation through scientific publications, conferences, and stakeholder engagement activities

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…