Director, Translational Lead Respiratory

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success.

The Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Translational Unit (RIITU), within RIIRU therapy area 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:

• Disease Biomarker Strategy Development and Delivery: Partner with the Clinical Teams, Research Technologies and the Development organization 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.
• 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.
• Translational Innovation: Evaluate novel techniques and technologies to inform translational initiatives, biomarker development and validation working in collaboration with platform teams.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including the Translational, Disease Teams, Human Genetics & Genomics, biology groups, biomarker platforms, Medicine Development Teams, and others.
• External Partnerships: Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external partners.
• Matrix Leadership: Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure a high-performing and motivated team.

We are seeking professionals with the following required skills and qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific 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.
• Recognised 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.

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

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry standards, best practices and compliance considerations in Translational Research and biomarker development and validation.
• Broad knowledge in technologies and methods used in translational research.
• Proven track record of program decision making through implementing biomarker strategies.
• Strong management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives.
• Excellent inclusive matrix leadership skills.

This role is based in the United Kingdom or the United States and follows a hybrid working model. You will be expected to work on site regularly to collaborate with your team and partners.

If this role inspires you, please apply with your CV and a short cover note describing a recent translational achievement. We welcome people from all backgrounds and value inclusion in how we hire and lead.

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, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.