Director, Drug Product mRNA CoE and Early Development

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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. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease. 

We believe the Greater Boston area is an important hub for the biotech and pharma industry, which is why we’ve invested in growing our footprint and expanding our R&D space in Cambridge, with a primary focus on additional state-of-the-art lab space. Here, we will bring together talent and expertise, building upon GSK’s long history of vaccine development, to create globally leading viral capabilities and cutting-edge vaccines technologies, as we add to our robust portfolio targeting infectious diseases at every stage of life. 

In the plan to create a new hub for mRNA-based vaccines in Cambridge, we are building new laboratories that will be focused on mRNA state-of-the-art platforms that will enable the discovery and early development of new products including deep product understanding, novel delivery systems and advanced characterization at preclinical as well as clinical stages, supporting the introduction of new mRNA-based vaccines. 

Drug Product (DP) R&D is a core function of the GSK Technical R&D team, accountable for vaccine product and process development from early onset of discovery projects and platforms to late-stage development, transfer and launch of new vaccines.  

The position of Director, DP mRNA CoE and Early Development has been created to lead a team of leaders and talented scientists who will enable the discovery and delivery of new vaccine products, in alignment with company priorities. As the team leader, the incumbent will be accountable for building capabilities in the formulation space, introducing novel delivery modalities for mRNA and proteins, and will establish platformizable solutions to deliver on the pipeline of projects in R&D, from the discovery and preclinical stage to the early CMC development phases. 

The Director, DP mRNA CoE and Early Development will report to the VP Global Head of Drug Product R&D in the Vaccine Technical R&D organization, becoming part of the Drug Product global leadership team, and will have an impact on the broader Vaccine portfolio by reviewing and influencing technical approaches and strategies for CMC research and development. 

While aligning within the DP global team, the incumbent will need to create a strong partnership with the mRNA CoE and research Scientific Areas with solid discovery-interfacing teams, to strengthen focus and boost innovation in Drug Product.

As the most senior leader, the incumbent will be accountable to build strong partnerships with leaders of other functions and the site head. 

The successful applicant will spend 3-6 months within the first year in Rockville, MD to support and guarantee a smooth transition of methods and know-how to the new laboratories in Cambridge, MA. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Build, establish and sustain a team of talented scientists in the field of vaccine formulation and mRNA delivery. Develop, coach and lead associates on site to create high performing teams.  

• Lead and define technical strategies for formulation discovery and early development of mRNA, with conventional and/or novel mRNA delivery systems, ensuring novel approaches are introduced in the stabilization and presentati