At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in respiratory science and develop impactful biomarker strategies.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader dedicated to advancing health.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work model, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through cutting-edge translational science.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. in Life Sciences and extensive experience in translational research required.
Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage, GSK HQ, USA - Massachusetts - Waltham, USA - North Carolina - Durham, USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Providence
Posted Date: May 5 2026
R&D Translational Sciences, part of the newly formed Translational & Developmental Sciences (TDS), is accountable for end-to-end disease area translational science to inform therapy area and program level biomarker strategies (from preclinical to launch) to increase the probability of success from preclinical to clinical transitions and enable earlier and higher confidence asset related decisions. This includes generation of foundational data as well as disease biomarker development and validation that allow timely deployment of tools/biomarkers to support Proof of Mechanism (PoM), signs of clinical efficacy, Proof of Concept (PoC), and pairing Mechanisms of Action (MoAs) with patient subtypes to predict responder populations.
We are looking for a dynamic individual to excel in the following responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:- Disease Biomarker Strategy Development and Delivery: Partner with the Clinical Teams, R&D Technologies and the RIIRU Early Pipeline Unit with focus on Respiratory portfolio to identify, establish biomarkers for decision making throughout clinical development phases and aligned with the overall research and development goals. This will include the identification, prioritisation and validation of disease relevant biomarkers, mechanistic/surrogate biomarkers, patient stratification, and differentiated response prediction, their deployment into clinical studies and interpretation of data/results.
- Translational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership contributing to deep understanding of disease areas enabling the development and execution of translational research disease strategies to support the discovery and development of novel differentiated therapeutics including evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.
- Translational innovation: Evaluate novel techniques and technologies (i.e. spatial transcriptomics) to inform translational initiatives, biomarker development and validation working in collaboration with platform teams and within a multi-functional matrix environment. Identify and guide validation of human assays (cells, tissues and organs) to enhance human translation and predictive value through the application of resources such as the Human Cell Atlas, disease tissue multi-omics data and genetic resources (external or proprietary).
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including the Translational Disease Teams, biology groups, biomarker platforms, Medicine Development Teams, HBSM, data-sciences, regulatory affairs, business development and commercial to ensure seamless integration of translational research and biomarker strategies across the drug development lifecycle.
- External Partnerships: Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external partners to access cutting-edge technologies, tools, reagents, biosamples, biomarker expertise, and research capabilities. Foster a network of external experts and key opinion leaders to stay at the forefront of translational science and biomarker advancements across the industry. Contribute to evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.
- Matrix Leadership: Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure a high-performing and motivated team. Manage disease and project level resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure the successful execution of projects and achievement of milestones and R&D Translational Science objectives. Represent Translational Science at portfolio governance reviews providing critical input to pipeline and investment decision making.
Why you?
Basic Qualifications:- Ph.D. in a Scientific / Life Science discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Physical Chemistry or related field).
- Extensive experience in translational science and biomarker development ideally within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Recognized translational/biomarker expert in scientific community through publications and contributions to the field.
- Experience of translation and biomarkers implementation in Respiratory indications.
- Experience of working in a clinical trial setting, working as part of a clinical study and experience of authoring and oversight of clinical and regulatory documents.
- Experience / working knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry standards, best practices and compliance considerations in Translational Research and biomarker development and validation.
- Experience in technologies and methods used in translational research.
- Proven track record of program decision making through implementing biomarker strategies and delivering translational science insights in support of drug progression through clinical transition milestones.
- Experience leading/managing external collaborations and evaluation of business development opportunities.
- Experienced matrix leader with the ability to create psychological safety, inspire and motivate a team towards achieving common goals.
- Awareness of bioinformatic / computational methods supporting integrated analysis and interpretation of translational and biomarker-related data sets.
- Strong management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives to meet timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high-performance standards.
- Experience adapting to fast-paced and evolving research environments, with strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Work Location: This role is based in the United Kingdom or the United States and offers a hybrid working model, combining on-site and remote work flexibility. Join us in shaping the future of translational science and making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
Director Translational Science Lead Respiratory employer: GlaxoSmithKline
GSK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stevenage, UK, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, GSK provides comprehensive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact on patients' lives while being part of a culture that values ambition, accountability, and doing the right thing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Translational Science Lead Respiratory
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in translational science and respiratory therapies. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Director, Translational Science Lead. We want to hear how you can contribute to our mission at GSK.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Translational Science Lead Respiratory
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Translational Science Lead role. Highlight your experience in translational science and biomarker development, especially in respiratory indications, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've contributed to successful projects or initiatives in your previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Know Your Biomarkers
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in biomarker strategies, especially those relevant to respiratory diseases. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these strategies in past roles and how they can be applied to GSK's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored team members in previous positions, highlighting your matrix leadership experience.
✨Understand the Science
Dive deep into the scientific aspects of translational research and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like spatial transcriptomics. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Build Connections
GSK values external partnerships, so think about how you've established collaborations in the past. Be ready to share your experiences working with academic institutions or CROs, and how these relationships have advanced your projects.
