Translational Research Program Leader

CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations. Its mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI’s work has delivered world firsts for vaccines against many of its priority pathogens including the first licensed Chikungunya vaccine, the first ever Lassa fever, Nipah and MERS vaccines to reach Phase II trials and the first Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate to be studied in Phase II in an endemic region. CEPI has also supported programmes to generate much‑needed data to expand access to Ebola and Mpox vaccines. CEPI was among the first funders of COVID‑19 vaccines, ultimately building one of the world’s largest portfolios, seven of which were licensed. The Coalition also conceptualised and co‑founded COVAX, which delivered nearly two billion doses of COVID‑19 vaccines to 146 countries, saving an estimated 2.7 million lives in lower‑income regions. Central to CEPI’s pandemic‑beating plan is the ‘100 Days Mission’ – its goal to develop safe, effective and accessible vaccines against new threats in just 100 days. CEPI is seeking funding to execute CEPI 3.0, its 2027‑2031 strategy, which will systematically reduce the likelihood and impact of epidemics and pandemics by driving the 100 Days Mission towards an operational reality. CEPI’s core values—teamwork, respect, achievement, integrity, and transparency—define our culture and shape how we work, support one another, and advance our shared mission. We value collaborative and flexible ways of working, drive, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We strive for diverse thinking and aim to attract a broad pool of candidates for all vacancies. We are committed to an inclusive work environment where every employee is valued and empowered to contribute and grow. CEPI is a not‑for‑profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.

About the role

Take on a leadership role to translate scientific discoveries into impactful vaccine solutions, ensuring scientific excellence and innovation at the level of individual development programs or across whole portfolio. Play a pivotal role in advancing CEPI’s research and development portfolio across all viral families. Lead innovations and advancements in clinical Translational Research towards R&D’s Viral Family focus and project accelerations across multiple development programs to secure the 100 Days Mission. Collaborate across diverse programs, teams and disciplines across R&D to ensure strategic alignment with organizational and R&D goals. Translate scientific evidence into strategy to generate end to end development plans for various medical countermeasures to secure availability during times of public health need and ultimately leading to licensure. Take on responsibility to lead/ co‑lead one of CEPI’s R&D Programs, ensuring strategic oversight, scientific excellence, successful delivery, and management of the entire program portfolio, if required. Provide direct leadership of several product development projects in the relevant R&D Program, if required. Ensure strategic and seamless integration into the R&D Program of related projects that are managed in other departments or divisions. Make recommendations to CEPI leadership and CEPI decision‑making governance bodies related to the R&D Program strategy and portfolio in collaboration with the respective program Leaders, and respective product development and enabling sciences project teams. Support the strategy of the R&D Programs through KOL networks, events, publications and global/regional coordination with key stakeholders. Contribute to the overall success of CEPI’s wider product development portfolio through sharing lessons learned, improvement of project tools and development of R&D Program teams. Act as an ambassador for CEPI, when required.

Responsibilities

• As the leader of Translational Research, act with full accountability for driving a clear strategy by making recommendations to CEPI governance for defining the overall scientific, technical and business/implementation scope of the translational strategy.
• Identifying investment opportunities and prioritizing or down‑selecting activities and projects within and across programs.
• Work with product development partners and CEPI functional divisions and departments to facilitate cross‑project reviews of data, including analytics, plans and cross‑cutting opportunities for alignment.
• Engage, motivate and coach project leaders/ managers and other members of the team to enable success in all areas; foster critical thinking and establish an environment in which team members seize opportunities to improve deliverables.
• Accountable for meeting the KPIs of the R&D activities they lead and respective product development and enabling sciences project plans.
• Work closely with colleagues across CEPI, consultant experts and CEPI partners to ensure successful delivery of departmental and program objectives and deliverables.
• Provide strong oversight of product development partner activities and continuously strive for acceleration of activities and ensure state‑of‑the‑art scientific application.
• Monitor the R&D ecosystem, including the product development landscape, and conduct gap analyses.
• Identify external expertise to support strategic and technical discussions and facilitate relationships with CEPI partners and the broader scientific community, while becoming a source of translational sciences expertise to the broader scientific community.
• Ensure communication excellence across the organization, and externally, on behalf of CEPI.
• Contribute to stage gate and portfolio analysis processes as a part of the CEPI governance oversight.

Education, Experience and Competence

• Essential: advanced medical degree (MD or MD‑PhD) or PhD in relevant field.
• Preferred additional qualifications: Post‑doctoral experience in vaccine research, translational research, immunology or related fields.
• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry or non‑profit vaccine development organization, working in multi‑disciplinary, global, matrix environments, with direct experience leading product development projects.
• End‑to‑end, in‑depth knowledge of product development from research to late‑stage development, licensure, and implementation, with broad knowledge of product development including pre‑clinical and clinical development, translational sciences, CMC and regulatory is a basic requirement.
• In‑depth knowledge of GCP, regulatory requirements, and guidelines pertaining to product development.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build trust with partners and manage a team of experts in a matrix, international environment.
• Track record of building and developing high performing teams.
• Track record of scientific publications and contributions to the field of vaccines and biologics.
• A deep understanding is needed of the vaccine development process, and the application and value of Translational Research in advancing clinical development and project acceleration.
• Excellent ability to think critically, strategise and persuade key stakeholders to resolve differences in an effective manner.
• Ability to make decisions in a fast paced and changing environment that produce the best possible results for the activities they lead and for the organisation.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to anticipate problems developing mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in continuously seeking improvements in team performance, deliverables and scientific excellence in the field of vaccines, including novel technologies that accelerate activities and lower project‑related risks is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team player, able to work in different cultural environments, to negotiate timelines and develop effective international collaboration.
• Experience working in LMIC is highly desirable.
• Strong critical and objective interpretation of complex development and scientific data.
• Flexibility and tolerance to best manage change and differing opinions with diplomacy and competence.
• Strong communication skills, able to represent CEPI at international events and ensure the necessary flow of information across CEPI divisions and departments, CEPI R&D Program teams, and product development project teams.

Travel and Location Requirements

This role is based in the UK, US or Norway. Expected international travel up to 20‑30%.

What we can offer you

The opportunity to work together with leading experts on solutions for global challenges. Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks. A diverse and inclusive working environment.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://cepisites.secure.force.com/careers Should you have any issues submitting your application or have questions please contact jobs@cepi.net Background verification will be conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation. Deadline for receiving applications is 30th March 2026 at 23:59 CET.