Sr Director, Head of Molecular Biology and Virology

About GSK:
At GSK, we are committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer. As a global biopharma leader, we focus on developing innovative medicines and vaccines that address pressing global health challenges. Within our Viral Vaccines Scientific Area, we are driving forward cutting-edge research to deliver transformative solutions in vaccine development.

Position Overview:
GSK is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Senior Director, Head of Molecular Biology and Virology within the Viral Vaccines Scientific Area. Based at our Cambridge Park Drive (CPD) site in Massachusetts, this role will play a pivotal part in advancing vaccine research and development efforts by leveraging molecular biology and virology to address unmet needs in viral vaccine innovation.  The Senior Director will serve as Head of Molecular Biology & Virology who is responsible for leading several multidisciplinary teams of scientists, driving strategy, and delivering high-impact research programs toward the discovery and preclinical development of novel viral vaccine candidates. This position requires exceptional leadership, scientific expertise, and the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success of GSK’s Viral Vaccines portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a strategic vision for molecular biology and virology within the Viral Vaccines Scientific Area, ensuring alignment with GSK’s R&D priorities and business goals.

Scientific Excellence: Lead and oversee research programs focused on molecular mechanisms of viral pathogens, immunogenicity, and vaccine design. Drive and support innovation to advance platform technologies and novel vaccine approaches.

Team Leadership: Manage and mentor multiple high-performing teams of scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Ensure effective resource allocation and team development to meet program milestones.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with other multidisciplinary teams, including discovery project leaders, vaccine development leaders, immunology, clinical development, regulatory, and manufacturing teams, to ensure seamless integration of molecular biology and virology expertise across vaccine R&D.

External Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with academic collaborators, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance research capabilities and accelerate vaccine development efforts.

Project Management: Drive project planning, timelines, and budgets, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality data packages to support vaccine candidate advancement into clinical development.

Regulatory Support: Provide expertise and guidance for regulatory submissions and interactions related to viral vaccine candidates in preclinical and clinical stages.

Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and advancements in molecular biology, virology, and vaccinology. Identify opportunities to integrate new methodologies and approaches into the discovery pipeline.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Virology, Microbiology, Vaccinology, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on viral pathogens and vaccine research.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in vaccine R&D or related fields, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive expertise in molecular biology techniques, virology, viral pathogenesis, and different vaccine modalities as shown through scientific publications

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-impact research programs in vaccine discovery or development.
• Deep understanding of immunological principles relevant to vaccine design and evaluation.
• Experience in preclinical model development for viral pathogens and vaccines.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for vaccine development.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents in the field of molecular