Scientific Director Infectious Diseases

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientific Director to work on new treatments to address the threat of infectious diseases by joining our growing Infectious Diseases Research Unit (IDRU). The IDRU is responsible for the discovery of novel approaches and targets to treat human infectious diseases and progressing them to early clinical development studies. The Research Unit has an impactful portfolio of projects in Hepatitis B, bacterial infections and viral respiratory infections (including COVID-19), as well as collaborations with Vir Biotechnology and 23andMe.

In this leadership role, you will assume immediate responsibility for managing an established team of scientists as well as for leading the biology on drug discovery project(s) targeting host mechanisms for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. You will work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and scientifically driven environment, interacting with scientists across the Research Unit and the broader R&D organization. Your demonstrated expertise in leading drug discovery programs coupled with an understanding of infectious diseases and immunology, will enable you and your team to progress a portfolio of innovative host targets and research projects in this area.

As a leader you will be expected to interact productively and in an enterprise fashion with teams across the Research Unit as well as with other GSK functions like Human Genetics, Discovery Medicine and Medicine Design and our external alliance partners such as Vir. The role will also involve establishing external collaborations and representing the organization externally. To this end, you will need to be a strong communicator and able to work and drive positive collaborative interactions with your peers and encourage similar behaviors in your team.

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include the following…

• Managing a team of scientists to identify, validate and progress novel host targets for the treatment and prevention of infections.

• Accountability for coaching and developing scientists within the reporting line.

• Leading the biology function on multidisciplinary drug discovery projects from conception to candidate selection by defining the critical path experiments and timelines, Go / No Go decision points, determining resource requirements, and representing the programs to senior leaders.

• Evaluating novel targets and new technology opportunities emerging from collaborations and business development activities.

• Building and fostering relationships across groups in the Research Unit and contributing to the strategic direction of the Research Unit.

• Engaging the external scientific community through building a network of key opinion leaders, participating in scientific conferences and publishing papers.

• Developing the company’s intellectual property portfolio through the preparation and filing of patent applications.

• Ensuring quality and compliance with GSK values and policies.

• Fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous improvement in line with the Innovation Performance and Trust (IPT) strategy at GSK.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

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

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with at least 10 years of postdoctoral research experience.

• 7 or more years of R&D experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Track-record of scientific innovation as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations or patents.

• Experience of motivating, coaching and developing a line team of scientists with a breadth of skills (such as bacteriology, virology, immunology, cell culture, and molecular biology).

• Expertise in identifying, selecting, and validating novel drug targets.

• Experience of implementing new scientific approaches, innovative technologies, and experimental techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

Having the following qualifications would be advantageous:

• Over 10 years of R&D experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Subject matter expertise in infectious diseases.

• Experience of researching host targets for infectious diseases or the host response to infection.

• Experience of leading scientific teams on multi-disciplinary projects to deliver innovative lead molecules and candidate medicines.

• Experience in making data-driven decisions on the progression of novel targets and molecules by integrating biology with clinical need and feasibility, competition, commercial opportunity, and return on investment.

• Experience in the discovery and development of non-small-molecule modalities, such as monoclonal antibodies, oligonucleotides, or aptamers.

• Ability to foster a culture of innovation, teamwork, performance, and trust.

• Existing network of academic collaborators and CROs.

• Strong self-motivation, capable of multi-tasking but with attention to detail, working on multiple projects in different phases of research, and delivering on objectives on time and to budget.

Why GSK?

At GSK, we have already delivered unprecedented change over the past four years, improving R&D, becoming a leader in Consumer Health, strengthening our leadership, and transforming our commercial execution. Now, we’re making the biggest changes we’ve made to our business in over 20 years. We’re on track to separate and create two new companies in 2022: New GSK with a leading portfolio of vaccines and specialty medicines as well as R&D based on immune system and genetics science; and a new world-leading consumer healthcare company of loved and trusted brands.

With new ambition comes new purpose. For New GSK, this is to unite science, talent and technology to get ahead of disease together – all with the clear ambition of delivering human health impact; stronger and more sustainable shareholder returns; and as a new GSK where outstanding people thrive.

Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it. How we do all this is through our people and our culture. A culture that is ambitious for patients – so we deliver what matters better and faster; accountable for impact – with clear ownership of goals and support to succeed; and where we do the right thing. So, if you’re ready to improve the lives of billions, join us at this exciting moment in our journey. Join our challenge to get Ahead Together.

#LI-GSK

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