Research Strategy Lead, Bacterial Science & Antigen Design - Vaccines

Role Summary

Position: Research Strategy Lead, Bacterial Science & Antigen Design - Vaccines. Location: Washington, DC. You will oversee and drive antigen design projects in bacterial vaccine R&D and help shape how we deliver innovative, life-saving vaccines. You will lead scientific strategy for the Global Antigen Design (GAD) team, aligning bacterial antigen design with translational goals and cross-functional programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific strategy and innovation in bacterial antigen discovery and design, contributing to GAD’s mission and helping to shape the long-term strategy and scientific roadmap for the function
• Apply deep knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis, reverse vaccinology, OMICs, host-pathogen interactions, and immune evasion mechanisms to identify and validate novel vaccine targets
• Integrate modern protein science approaches—including structural biology, protein engineering, and biophysics—to design optimized antigens with enhanced immunogenicity and stability
• Collaborate closely with internal GAD platforms (virology, computational biology, protein biochemistry and biophysics, monoclonal antibodies, structural biology, and transversal antigen design) to drive integrated research programs
• Partner with internal global immunology teams to align antigen design with immunological insights and translational goals
• Engage with the internal development and mRNA organizations to ensure seamless transition of antigens from discovery to preclinical and clinical development
• Contribute to scientific leadership through mentorship, strategic input, and representation of bacterial science within and beyond GAD
• Stay abreast of emerging scientific trends and technologies in bacteriology, structural vaccinology, and protein design, and apply them to advance the pipeline

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Structural Biology, Protein Biochemistry, Immunology or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years post PhD relevant experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical setting

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in bacterial pathogenesis and vaccine antigen discovery and design
• Background in or advanced familiarity with protein science, preferably with focus on structural biology (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM) and its application to rational antigen design
• Proven track record of scientific innovation and leadership in cross-functional research environments
• Comfortable working in complex, matrixed environments with global counterparts
• Strong strategic, analytical, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent communication, tact, diplomacy, negotiation, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills