Director, Oncology Translational Research Liaison Science in Stevenage

The Director, Oncology Translational Research Liaison Science will play a key role in the Oncology Translational Research (OTR) team within GSK Oncology. The post holder will exploit GSK proprietary and internally generated datasets from patient derived surrogate models (including organoids, etc) and clinical trial samples as well as real world data in order to help identify new targets & pharmacodynamic & predictive biomarkers, unravel resistance mechanisms and generate additional translational hypotheses that will inform on patients stratification and/or novel combinations to enhance treatment effect. The focus will be on the post candidate selection phase of the translational strategy.

The post holder will evolve the translational asset plans, as a partner/collaborator of the Oncology Translational Medicine (OTM) team of biomarker/diagnostic experts and in collaboration with the various experimental teams (Digital biological twin laboratory, Translational Haematology and Tumour Omics, 3D Oncology Models Platform (3D-OMP) laboratory). An important part of the role is to represent OTR in the cross-functional setting (e.g. Asset‑specific multidisciplinary team) and collaborate with subject matter experts including the clinical development teams, Early Development Statisticians in Oncology, as well as with the AIML team scientists.

• Represent Oncology Translational Research (OTRO) as a translational lead in cross‑functional matrix teams, at the post candidate selection stage, leveraging deep expertise in cancer biology and the oncology clinical landscape.
• Evolve the translational research plans (created initially from the commit to lead optimization (C2LO)) to address key asset team questions around mechanism, biomarkers (pharmacodynamic, response and/or resistance) and combination/indication expansion opportunities, etc.
• Engage with external HCPs/Investigators globally through the global translational research network (TRN), in collaboration with the various experimental teams (Digital biological twin laboratory, Translational Haematology and Tumour Omics, 3D Oncology Models Platform (3D-OMP) laboratory) to explore the use of deep profiling of existing clinical study/biobank material to generate insights to guide future clinical studies.
• Lead and mentor other translational leads, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that promotes scientific excellence and professional growth.
• Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal Oncology Translational Research teams and with cross‑functional partners in disciplines across GSK as well as external partners, to lead the conduct of translational studies and ensure seamless integration of translational research efforts.
• Communicate translational research progress and findings to key stakeholders, including senior leadership (e.g. regular updates to OTR leadership team meetings chaired by SVP – Oncology Translational Research) and external collaborators, through written reports and presentations and contributing to regulatory documents.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and workstreams, including assessment of workload and resourcing requirements to deliver the team’s objectives.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge of the clinical and translational research landscape in the areas you are representing as a translational leader.

• PhD or equivalent in Life Sciences.
• Significant training/experience/publications in cancer biology/immunology and clinical/translational research.
• Vast experience in translational research (academic/industry), with significant experience in oncology drug development.
• Experience of leading translational research in a matrix team environment, with prior exposure to industry drug discovery and clinical development teams.
• Prior demonstration of having cross functional knowledge of cancer biomarker discovery with experience in the use of non‑clinical translational experimental approaches as well as reverse translation activities to address key mechanistic and biomarker questions.
• Proven leadership skills with a history of successfully managing and developing high‑performing teams.

• Medical degree.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence and deep understanding of cancer biology, as evidenced by publications, research reports, and external presentations.
• Experience in Antibody Drug Conjugate and/or T‑cell Engager research and development.
• Experience in molecular and genomic assay technologies and with clinical assay development (e.g. flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunoassays).
• Experience in managing research collaborations.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex ideas and concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills to address complex scientific questions.
• Strong collaboration and partnership skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent project management skills with a focus on delivering results.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to work well with ambiguity and in intense situations.
• Proactive, ‘can‑do’ mindset that bridges ideas to realizable and deliverable solutions to solve problems.
• As you may be asked to contribute to regulatory documents, the candidate will need to be highly organised with good attention to detail.
• Sense of urgency, flexibility, integrity and accountability.