Discovery Project Leader (DPL) in Stevenage

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company committed to discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines, vaccines and specialty care that improve the quality of human life worldwide. Guided by a clear purpose to unite science, technology and talent, GSK aims to advance a pipeline of transformative therapies and sustainable health solutions that address unmet medical needs across diverse therapeutic areas.

VIDRU (Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Unit) is a multidisciplinary team within GSK that drives discovery and early development of vaccine candidates and novel infectious disease interventions. VIDRU combines cutting edge immunology, pathogen biology and translational sciences to accelerate safe, effective vaccines and medicines from concept to clinic, working closely with global partners and clinical development teams to translate scientific insights into impact. As part of VIDRU, IDR (Infectious Disease Research) is focused on progressing innovative medicines tackling some of the most challenging infectious diseases. By leveraging diverse therapeutic modalities IDR pursues flexible, innovation driven strategies to prevent, treat and cure priority infectious diseases.

Job Purpose – Leading a drug discovery project focused on designing and testing innovative therapeutic molecules directed at an infectious disease target. The Discovery Project Leader (focus early clinical development) in the Infectious Disease Research team (Upper Providence/ US; Stevenage/ UK) is a highly motivated and talented individual with expertise in drug discovery and development – ideally in monoclonal antibody based modalities (monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, antibody-drug conjugates).

For this specific role we are looking for a candidate with strong background in drug discovery and early clinical development. The individual is able to set and execute strategic direction and to lead a matrix team through the different phases from discovery to early clinical development. This is a decision-making position with high responsibility, visibility and direct interaction with GSK senior leaders as well as Regulatory Agencies, internal and external auditors, and external key opinion leaders.

The Discovery Project Leader leads a multidisciplinary team which will define, implement, and oversee the discovery strategy for an asset. Collaboration and influence are critical to this position given that the Discovery Project Leader works with various stakeholders across R&D, obtaining and managing resources, and delivering evidence to support candidate discovery and go/no-go decisions. The Discovery Project Leader is accountable for leading and driving teams to perform to their best. The Discovery Project Leader uses her/his drug discovery and development as well business knowledge/experience to develop the medicine profile.

• The Discovery Project Leader is accountable for data package included in regulatory submissions, patents, grants, GSK tax deductions and clinical protocols.
• Lead and manage cross-functional project teams to deliver innovative projects in the infectious disease therapeutic area.
• Develop with project teams medicine profile and project strategy.
• Work closely with the Senior Discovery Project Leader to ensure that project goals are aligned with overall business objectives.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal and external partners, to ensure that projects are delivered successfully.
• Develop and maintain project plans and timelines, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues and dependencies, and implement appropriate mitigation plans.
• Ensure that project teams are aligned on project goals and objectives, and that progress is communicated effectively to all stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Ensure that all projects are conducted in compliance with GSK policies and procedures, and with relevant regulatory requirements.
• Establishing key external collaborations to enhance the quality of programs in partnership with External R&D and BD.
• Contributing to GSK’s scientific excellence through discovery activities and broad participation at scientific bodies.

May have a team of lab-based scientists supporting several projects directly reporting to her/him:

• Supervise science performed by the team and ensure quality of the data and alignment with projects and business priorities.
• Provide guidance to the experiments performed by the team.
• Support personal development of the team.
• Ensure the team is thriving and support their performance.
• Provide HSE supervision.
• Support the team with lab logistics and equipment.

• PhD, MD, MSc, or BSc in a scientific discipline of relevance to drug discovery.
• Extensive drug discovery experience.
• Extensive leadership experience on projects.
• Large molecule experience required.
• Infectious disease experience required.

• Proven ability to think and plan strategically, to lead and work with members of other functions within a matrix environment.
• Familiarity with modality selection and screening strategies for discovery projects.
• Ability to integrate and lead a team of multi-discipline experts including biology, safety, computational sciences, clinical, translational science, intellectual property, commercial, epidemiology and others.
• Ability to align resources (people and financial), team objectives and strategies behind the vision; ensure resource gaps are identified and where possible, filled or managed.
• Create and lead an empowered, motivated team where diversity of thought is encouraged.
• Able to engage and leverage internal and external networks to drive performance and results.
• First-hand experience of early drug discovery phases.
• Understands the entirety of R&D across discovery and development.
• Experience with multiple drug modalities.
• A demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful outcomes through a diverse team.
• A demonstrable ability to influence without authority in a highly matrixed environment.

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.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.