RNA DS Platform Analytical Leader

The Nucleic Acid Vaccines Center of Excellence (NAV CoE), a global team within the GSK’s Drugs Substance (DS) Vaccine’s Technical Research and Development organization, has as a mission to develop the next generation RNA Drug Substance vaccine platforms for rapid development of new vaccine candidates. It has branches in Rockville, MD, US (Cambridge, MA from 2025) and in Rixensart, Belgium.

We are looking for an RNA DS Platform Analytical Leader to join the NAV CoE and lead a global team of analytical scientists based in Belgium and US with the objective of continuous development and optimization of RNA-based vaccine platforms, integrating latest state-of-the-art technologies and paving the way to bring new vaccine candidates from development to the clinical manufacturing stages.

Based in the US or BE branch, this role will report to the Global Head of the NAV CoE, and will play a significant role in shaping current and next generation GSK’s mRNA vaccine platforms to accelerate addressing unmet medical needs, a compelling field having a direct impact into patients and global health. This exciting opportunity allows you to lead key activities, collaborate with top talents in the vaccines industry, and advance your career while ensuring timely project delivery in collaboration with process development colleagues.

Main core responsibilities:

• Lead development of in process analytics comprising a team of ~5 analytical scientists split in 2 locations (US and Belgium) to facilitate RNA DS platform process development and continuous RNA platform evolution as new technologies and discoveries emerge in the field.
• Work closely with the Global Head of the NAV CoE for strategy definition, as well as with the Global RNA Platform Development Leader and the RNA Project Delivery Leader to drive excellence in process development and project execution.
• Work closely with the Analytical R&D team to share and ensure strategic alignment on technologies, method development and transfer between teams, to build a set of state-of-the art robust methods and control strategy fit for each stage (development, clinical and/or commercial).
• Position as an opinion leader within the organization: think and act strategically, impact and influence within DS, across functions and at senior leadership level to continuously improve and shape a strategy & framework for a robust global fast mRNA production strategy.
• Embrace an open global mindset, fostering a positive culture of transparency and collaboration within the global organization.

Basic Qualifications:

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

• PhD with degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field
• A minimum of 6 years of industry experience on development of analytics on biomolecules, preferably nucleic acids.
• One or more years of experience in development activities required for CMC support.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Experience in Quality by Design.
• Knowledge of the large molecule regulatory environment, particularly FDA/ICH/ISPE guidelines on risk management, technology transfer and process validation
• Effective leadership, people management and communication abilities in global environments.
• Exceptional proficiency in project management.
• Open, can-do and positive mindset is a must
• Demonstrated Critical thinking ability

Please visit  GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where t