At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead decision-making in Oncology R&D, guiding investment opportunities and project assessments.
- Company: GSK, a global biopharma leader focused on innovative medicines and vaccines.
- Benefits: Impactful work, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by influencing key decisions in drug development.
- Qualifications: PhD or advanced degree preferred; strong R&D and project management experience required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a difference in global health.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
GSK is seeking a Director, Portfolio Decision Sciences to partner with the Head, Portfolio Decision Sciences, Oncology in supporting GSK’s Oncology and broader Pharmaceutical portfolio across the entire R&D lifecycle – from preclinical research through late‑stage clinical development. In this influential role, you will work directly with project teams and governance boards to evaluate investment opportunities in areas of high uncertainty and limited data. You will play a pivotal part in guiding technical progression and investment decisions through systematic risk assessment, probabilistic evaluation, and rigorous economic analysis (e.g., ROI, NPV). Your insights will inform key decision‑making bodies including the Portfolio Investment Board (PIB), Development Review Board (DRB) and Research Unit Investment Boards.
You will shape strategically differentiated options, drive challenging conversations with senior leaders, and leverage cutting‑edge data and technology trends to enable high‑quality portfolio decision making. The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious portfolio expert with deep R&D experience, a passion for innovation, and the ability to navigate and influence broadly across the Oncology and R&D ecosystems at GSK.
Key ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will provide leadership across Decision Sciences and Portfolio Management for the Pharmaceutical portfolio, including Oncology and non‑Oncology assets. You will support high‑impact decisions at senior leadership levels, ensuring objectivity, cross‑portfolio consistency, and strategic context. Specific responsibilities include:
- Guiding project teams across the R&D lifecycle (including BD opportunities) using strategic decision frameworks, probability‑of‑success elicitation, and economic evaluations (ROI, NPV), facilitating decision making and generating project‑and portfolio‑level insights.
- Delivering objective project assessments for R&D investment decisions at Research Unit governance bodies, and the Portfolio Investment Board (PIB).
- Providing clear, rigorous recommendations to governance chairs based on detailed value‑risk analyses, option evaluations, resource considerations, and risk‑discharge points.
- Leading portfolio‑ or indication‑level assessments to inform senior leaders on prioritisation decisions across scientific, commercial, operational, strategic and financial dimensions.
- Supporting the biannual dynamic Portfolio Review (dPR) for Oncology, ensuring refreshed project assessments and surfacing emerging investment opportunities.
- Collaborating across finance, portfolio management, strategy, operations, and Research Units to recommend short‑ and long‑term focus areas and enable optimal resource deployment.
- Driving portfolio management excellence by monitoring the external environment, evaluating innovative portfolio approaches, and proposing use cases applicable to GSK.
- Enhancing the development and deployment of advanced analytics, including AI and machine learning, to elevate decision‑making quality across teams and senior leadership.
We are looking for professionals with these required skills and experiences to achieve our goals:
- Bachelor’s degree in Science or Business.
- PhD, MD, or advanced scientific/decision sciences degree preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or related industries.
- Strong understanding of R&D processes, ideally with experience supporting or leading drug‑development teams.
- Proven track record of independently delivering complex projects.
- Experience navigating cross‑functional teams and enabling change.
- High learning agility; ability to facilitate complex scientific, technical, value, and resourcing discussions.
- Ability to translate detailed scientific and technical insights into concise, impactful recommendations.
- Strong relationship‑building skills to become a trusted strategic partner to project teams and senior leaders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and fast‑paced decision cycles.
Closing Date for Applications – 10 February 2026 (EOD)
Why GSK? Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.
People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
Please note if you require adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at where you can also request a call.
Director, Portfolio Decision Sciences in London employer: GlaxoSmithKline
Contact Detail:
GlaxoSmithKline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Portfolio Decision Sciences in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into GSK’s recent projects and innovations in Oncology. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about what we do and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled complex projects and made impactful decisions. We love hearing about your journey and how it aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the GSK family.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Portfolio Decision Sciences in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Portfolio Decision Sciences role. Highlight your relevant experience in R&D and decision sciences, and show how your skills align with GSK's mission and values.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves rigorous economic analysis and risk assessment, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully navigated complex projects and made data-driven decisions in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and impactful. Use clear language to convey your insights and recommendations, as this will reflect your ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is reviewed promptly and gives you the best chance to showcase your fit for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at GlaxoSmithKline
✨Know Your R&D Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of the R&D lifecycle, especially in oncology. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like ROI and NPV, as well as how they apply to investment decisions. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to GSK's portfolio management.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the role's focus on technical progression and risk assessment, be ready to discuss complex scientific and economic evaluations. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenging discussions or made impactful recommendations based on data analysis.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership across various teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led cross-functional teams or influenced senior leaders. Highlight your ability to drive conversations and make objective assessments that align with strategic goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity and Innovation
GSK values intellectual curiosity and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you've embraced new technologies or methodologies in your previous roles. Share your thoughts on how advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning can enhance decision-making in portfolio management.