Group Leader Neuroinflammation

Make your mark for patients We are looking for a Senior Leader in Neuroimmunology Research who is passionate, inspiring and scientifically driven to join us in our Neuroinflammation research team, based in our Braine-l’Alleud office in Belgium.

About the role
You will lead a key expansion area within our neuroimmunology strategy, focusing on how peripheral immune mechanisms influence neurological disease. You will shape scientific direction, build and lead a high-performing team, and drive the identification and progression of new therapeutic targets expressed on adaptive and innate immune cells of the peripheral immune system. This is a highly visible role where your leadership, scientific excellence, and ability to translate research into impactful solutions will directly contribute to advancing our pipeline of innovative treatments. Who you’ll work with You will be working in a team that brings together cross-functional experts across neuroinflammation research, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and external partners from academia and biotechnology. You will interact with scientific leaders, translational specialists and project teams to define and deliver research strategies. You will also build and manage partnerships externally, ensuring strong alignment and impact across the broader scientific ecosystem. What you’ll do Lead research strategy in peripheral neuroimmunology and immune-driven neurological diseases Build, lead and develop a high-performing team of scientists Drive pipeline projects from target identification to candidate selection Translate immune biology insights into therapeutic strategies and drug targets Establish collaborations with academic, biotech and external research partners Provide scientific leadership across projects and influence cross-functional decisions Interested? For this role we’re looking for the following education, experience and skills PhD in immunology, neuroimmunology or related scientific discipline Deep understanding of how cells of the peripheral immune system contribute to neurological disease Specific focus on how adaptive (B, T cells) immune cells cause or contribute to such diseases Proven industry experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments Experience leading scientific teams and delivering pipeline projects Strong passion, leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills Ability to translate complex science into impactful research strategies Internal applicants should be in their current job for at least 12 months, must meet performance standards and are not on formal corrective/disciplinary process (PIP), warning, final warning, or compliance warning letters within the last 12 months. Please inform your Manager or your Talent Partner before applying to any internal job opportunities. At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description, this role is hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office, irrespective of your current contractual agreement. Should your current working arrangements differ, please contact your Talent Partner to discuss, before submitting your application. UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com . Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel. Requisition ID: 93527 Recruiter: Petra Demes Hiring Manager: Luke Healy Talent Partner: Geraldine Beauduin Job Level: MM I Please consult HRAnswers for more information on job levels.