Global Project Head - R&D Vaccines

Role Summary

Global Project Head – R&D Vaccines is a strategic leadership role responsible for the development and execution of integrated strategies and development plans for New Vaccines projects from Gate M2 through licensure. The role leads Global Project Teams and cross-functional collaboration across R&D and non-R&D functions, manages project risk, and communicates with governance committees. The position also represents the project with internal and external stakeholders, including partners and NGOs, and contributes to franchise strategy and global health impact. Location: Waltham, MA or Swiftwater, PA.

Responsibilities

• Product Development Strategy & Execution: Contribute to high-level product development strategies (TPP/TVP) and hold accountability for strategy from Gate M2 through licensure, ensuring alignment with objectives and patient needs; drive decisions balancing scientific innovation, commercial viability, and patient impact; ensure timelines, quality, and regulatory compliance across markets.
• Team Leadership: Structure and lead the Global Project Team; set objectives, provide feedback, and mentor team members; foster an inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Project Management: Deliver projects on-time and within budget; monitor milestones and address obstacles; ensure coordination across functions and geographies.
• Resource Management: Supervise activities and optimize budget, personnel, and materials; partner with functional leaders to secure resources and make data-driven prioritization decisions.
• Strategic Planning: Translate TPP into scope and actionable plans; ensure alignment with IEQP, iSCP, CDP, TSD, and GRPS; anticipate future needs and drive development innovation.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with executive-level internal and external stakeholders; build consensus and navigate organizational dynamics; represent the project in governance forums.
• Communication: Champion project objectives and risk mitigation; present to senior leadership and external partners; ensure transparent status updates and tailored messaging.
• Alliance Management: Manage relationships with NGOs, partner companies, academic groups, and JV partners; negotiate collaboration agreements and align external partnerships with internal objectives.
• Franchise Strategy: Contribute to unified R&D vision and strategic roadmap for the franchise; integrate project strategy with portfolio objectives and identify cross-project synergies.

Qualifications

• Required: Master of Science in a scientific-related field; PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred.
• Required: 7+ years of experience in vaccine development in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related discipline.

Skills

• Proven ability to lead international, cross-functional teams toward common goals
• Ability to build trust and foster collaboration across diverse teams and cultures
• Talent for inspiring and motivating others to achieve excellence
• Navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex situations
• Exceptional presentation skills; distill complex information into compelling narratives
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and understanding of market dynamics
• Comprehensive knowledge of vaccine development processes, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changing priorities
• Intellectually curious with commitment to continuous learning
• Passion for improving patient lives and advancing global health

Education

• Master's degree in a scientific-related field required; PhD, MD, or PharmD preferred.