Head of mRNA Platform

Role Summary

The Head of mRNA Platform leads cross-functional efforts to build, mature, and implement mRNA platform technologies within GSK, driving discovery, development, and maturation of mRNA platforms and overseeing transitions from research to TRD/MDS for broader application.

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’s 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 “plug and play” 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

Education

• PhD in Biology or related scientific field (listed under Basic Qualifications)