Sr. Director/VP, Information Technology

At Merida Biosciences, we are pioneering true precision medicines for antibody-driven diseases. We specifically target pathogenic antibodies and their cellular sources with bespoke Fc biotherapeutics engineered to selectively and completely eliminate the root causes of autoimmune and allergic diseases, and to achieve deep, durable responses while preserving essential immunity. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our mission to transform treatment paradigms across the spectrum of antibody-driven diseases.

The Sr. Director of IT will be responsible for developing and executing Merida’s IT strategy across research, development, and corporate functions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader will establish the foundational systems, infrastructure, and governance required to support a growing biotech organization. This role requires both strategic vision and operational execution. The ideal candidate thrives in an early-stage environment, enjoys building and can balance immediate business needs with long-term scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT roadmap aligned with company growth and scientific priorities
• Serve as a strategic partner to executive leadership on technology planning and digital enablement
• Establish IT governance, policies, and best practices appropriate for a regulated biotech environment
• Build and manage secure, scalable cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., M365, collaboration tools, identity management, endpoint management)
• Lead selection and implementation of enterprise systems (ERP, HRIS, finance, clinical systems, document management, etc.)
• Support research IT needs, including lab systems, data storage, and scientific computing environments
• Develop and maintain a robust cybersecurity program
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and data privacy standards (e.g., GxP, SOX readiness, HIPAA where applicable)
• Manage vendor risk assessments and IT audits
• Select and manage managed service providers (MSPs) and key technology vendors
• Develop and oversee the IT budget
• Negotiate contracts and ensure cost-effective solutions
• Build and lead an internal IT team over time as the company grows
• Establish support processes and service levels for employees
• Foster a culture of responsiveness, innovation, and operational excellence

 Qualifications

• 10+  years of progressive IT leadership experience, ideally within biotech, pharma, or life sciences
• Experience building IT infrastructure in an early-stage or high-growth environment
• Strong knowledge of cloud-based environments (Azure, AWS), cybersecurity frameworks, and enterprise SaaS platforms
• Experience supporting GxP-regulated environments and preparing for audits
• Demonstrated success implementing ERP, HRIS, and other enterprise systems
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Builder mindset with strong execution capability
• Highly collaborative and service-oriented
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and scaling alongside company growth
• Strategic thinker who can also “roll up sleeves” when needed
• High integrity and commitment to data security and compliance

Compensation: We understand that compensation is an important part of considering a new opportunity. Our goal is to be transparent so there are no surprises at the end of the process, and you can feel confident that your offer is both fair and equitable. To support that, we’re sharing our hiring range for this role upfront: typically for the Senior Director level we target $245,000 to $300,000. The final offer will take into account a number of factors, including your skills, experience, location, market data, and internal equity. Along with a competitive salary, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both personally and professionally.

Merida Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited Merida Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.