Head of mRNA Platform

Role Summary

The Head of mRNA Platform will provide transformative leadership within GSK’s matrix organisation, driving the discovery, development, and maturation of mRNA platforms. This role focuses on building and optimising robust mRNA platforms for high-quality, scalable solutions, and defines the strategic innovation roadmap for discovery platforms to keep GSK at the forefront of vaccine discovery. The position involves cross-functional collaboration and may be a single contributor or lead a small team.

Responsibilities

• Project First: Collaborate with Discovery Units to develop and optimise lead RNA vaccine candidates by providing transversal and enhanced capabilities, ensuring agile and efficient project delivery.
• Tech Enabled: Drive end-to-end innovation for GSK‚Äôs Infectious Disease cutting-edge technology platforms within a 2-year timeframe to accelerate discovery and platform maturation.
• Expert Led: Improve key interfaces across the R&D organisation by leveraging synergies, fostering collaboration, and boosting scientific innovation across functions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Define and execute a strategy for mRNA vaccine platform development, emphasising innovation, scalability, and readiness for TRD integration.
• Develop and implement an innovation roadmap that balances immediate project needs with long-term scientific opportunities.
• Invest in modular vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, protein subunits, adjuvants) designed for speed, flexibility, and manufacturability to minimise late-stage disruptions.
• Apply platform-based approaches to enable ‚Äúplug and play‚Äù of new antigens, reducing early development timelines.
• Implement standardised CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) approaches to compress timelines and streamline regulatory submissions.
• Build and maintain strong external collaborations with world-class scientists and institutions to introduce cutting-edge technologies and ideas.
• Lead cross-functional relationships across Vaccines R&D, TRD, and other groups, including Scientific Areas, Clinical Science, Toxicology, Data Science, Structural Biology, Translational Medicine, Regulatory Affairs, Business Development, and Global Patents.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality data packages for regulatory filings, patents, and publications, integrating state-of-the-art science and technology to accelerate development timelines.
• Facilitate smooth and timely handover of mature RNA vaccine platforms to TRD (MDS) for development, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness.
• Oversee regulatory-quality data delivery and promote adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or related scientific field
• Previous experience as a leader of PhD level scientists with evidence of scientific achievement (peer-reviewed publications, patents)
• Experience in vaccine R&D
• Experience as a global leader and subject matter expert in RNA design, biology, and delivery including leadership to drive and manage scientific projects, expertise in RNA-based vaccine and pharmaceutical R&D, and experience in working in a matrix system to drive fast-paced vaccine projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience of leading internal/external collaborations
• Experience leading and inspiring teams, develop/mentor scientists, and strategically allocate resources according to portfolio priorities
• Strong leadership, influence, collaboration and ability to drive complex projects in heavily matrixed role