VP, Head Translational Research, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Research Unit

Role Summary

Head Translational Research for Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Research Unit at GSK. You will lead a global team to translate scientific discoveries into impactful vaccine solutions, define and deliver the global strategy for Translational Research, and drive operational excellence across the organization. This role engages across Research and Development to de-risk programs, accelerate decision-making, and advance clinical development across the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases portfolio. Flexible base locations include the United States, UK, Italy, Belgium, with on-site presence and potential hybrid arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and mentor a global team of approximately 15 experienced scientific leaders and technical experts to ensure quality and timely delivery and acceleration of clinical study data.
• Engage with senior R&D leaders and collaborate with global cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of Translational Research in R&D success.
• Manage the strategic direction and operational execution of biomarker, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical lab assay development and sample testing.
• Partner with Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation (CPMS) colleagues on Systems and Tools development and deployment and create a community of practice to enable consistency of CPMS in R&D.
• Provide oversight for clinical biomarker operations, lab operational study management and central lab activities to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency globally.
• Ensure global compliance with GCP, regulatory requirements, and industry standards for biomarker, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical research, biobank management, lab operational studies and central lab activities.
• Manage the global budget, resources, and infrastructure for Translational Research, optimizing allocation to meet strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Immunology).
• Required: Demonstrated leadership skills in an R&D environment in vaccinology/immunology/infectious diseases.
• Required: Strong expertise in translational research, including biomarker development and early-stage clinical studies.
• Required: Proven leadership experience with a track record of strategic planning and execution.
• Required: In-depth knowledge of GCP, regulatory requirements, and guidelines pertaining to biomarker and bioanalytical research, lab operational studies and central lab activities.
• Required: Strong understanding of current trends and advancements in platform technologies and their application in clinical development.
• Required: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex scientific, operational, and people challenges to drive scientific excellence and maintain a high-performing team.
• Required: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across the R&D enterprise and mediate strategic/technical discussions.
• Required: Deep understanding of the drug development process and the value of Translational Research in advancing clinical development and project acceleration.
• Required: Ability to represent GSK to external experts and partners, with experience adopting cutting-edge technologies to maintain leadership in vaccines and infectious diseases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred: Post-doctoral experience in vaccine research or related fields.
• Preferred: Familiarity with regulatory requirements for vaccine research and development.
• Preferred: Track record of scientific publications and contributions to the field of vaccines.