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

GSK

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

VP, Head Translational Research Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Research Unit, R&D Introduction At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more: Our approach to R&D At GSK, we are committed to uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. As the Head of Vaccines Translational Research, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our vaccine research and development efforts. You will lead a team of experts to translate scientific discoveries into impactful vaccine solutions, ensuring scientific excellence and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health while fostering collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines. Join us to shape the future of vaccines and contribute to our mission of improving lives worldwide. Reporting to Sanjay Gurunathan, SVP & Global Head Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit, you will define and deliver the global strategic vision for Translational Research and drive operational excellence across the organisation. Skillfully operating at the senior executive leadership level by leading an outstanding organization contributing directly to R&D strategy and decision-making in the Vaccines organization. You will make decisions which positively influence GSK’s scientific reputation, compliance status, and success of vaccines and infectious diseases portfolio. You will hold a pivotal leadership role with broad organisational influence and strategic importance, driving innovation and leading advancements in clinical Translational Research to R&D’s disease focus, project accelerations, and support novel therapies and vaccines. You will set the global strategy and roadmap for Translational Research to enable timely, high‑quality translational science which advances clinical development across the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases portfolio. You will act as the primary bridge between Research and Development to de‑risk programs and accelerate decision‑making. In this role you will collaborate across Translational Research functions—including Oncology, Respiratory and Immunology—to define and deliver integrated translational strategies. You will design and establish translational studies (internally funded, externally funded, or outsourced as appropriate), determine the most appropriate operational and funding models, owning the execution to ensure timely, high‑quality delivery.

Requirements

PhD in relevant scientific discipline eg Immunology
Demonstrated leadership skills in an R&D environment in vaccinology/ immunology/infectious diseases
Strong expertise in translational research, including biomarker development and early-stage clinical studies.
Proven leadership experience with a track record of strategic planning and execution
This role necessitates a high level of proficiency in organizational strategy and development, strong alignment with R&D objectives, and the drive to foster innovation to enhance team expertise in meeting future pipeline
In-depth knowledge of GCP, regulatory requirements, and guidelines pertaining to biomarker and bioanalytical research, lab operational studies and central lab activities
Strong understanding of current trends and advancements in platform technologies and their application in clinical development
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex scientific, operational, and people challenges effectively, to drive scientific excellence, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain a motivated, high-performing team
The position centres on fostering collaboration, ensuring alignment, and maintaining effective relationships inside and outside the organization. It requires engagement in diverse interactions requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills, partnering closely across the R&D enterprise, to align on objectives and workflows, and to mediate strategic and technical discussions
A deep understanding is needed of the drug development process and the application and value of Translational Research in advancing clinical development and project acceleration
You will represent GSK to external experts and partners, helping influence industry practices as well as regulatory positions that are important to the strategic success of GSK R&D.
You will demonstrate experience in adoption of cutting-edge technologies that keep GSK as a leader in vaccines and infectious diseases.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead, coach and mentor a global team of approximately 15 experienced scientific leaders and technical experts to ensuring quality and timely delivery and acceleration of clinical study data.
Engage with senior R&D leaders and collaborate with global cross-functional teams, including Therapeutic Areas, Clinical Operations, Research Technologies, and other Development lines, 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 in the Research Units 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 team, optimizing allocation to meet strategic objectives.