Director Translational Science Lead Respiratory in Whitehall

The Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Translational Unit (RIITU), within the RIIRU therapy area, is accountable for end-to-end disease area translational science to inform program-level biomarker strategies from preclinical to launch. This includes generation of foundational data, disease biomarker development and validation, and deployment of tools/biomarkers to support Proof of Mechanism, signs of clinical efficacy, Proof of Concept, and pairing mechanisms of action with patient subtypes to predict responder populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Disease Biomarker Strategy Development and Delivery: Partner with Clinical Teams, Research Technologies and the Development organization with a focus on the Respiratory portfolio to identify, establish, prioritize and validate disease-relevant biomarkers, mechanistic/surrogate biomarkers, patient stratification and differentiated response prediction for deployment into clinical studies and interpretation of data/results.
• Translational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership contributing to deep understanding of disease areas and enabling the development and execution of translational research disease strategies to support novel differentiated therapeutics, including evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.
• Translational Innovation: Evaluate novel techniques and technologies such as spatial transcriptomics to inform translational initiatives, biomarker development and validation with platform teams in a multidimensional matrix environment. Identify and guide validation of human assays (cells, tissues and organs) to enhance human translation and predictive value through resources such as the Human Cell Atlas, disease tissue multi-omics data and genetic resources.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Translational, Disease, Human Genetics & Genomics, biology groups, biomarker platforms, Medicine Development, 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, 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. 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 successfully execute projects and achieve milestones and RITU objectives. Represent RITU at portfolio governance reviews, providing critical input to pipeline and investment decision making.

Basic Qualification

• 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 the scientific community through publications and contributions to the field.
• Experience in translation and biomarker implementation in Respiratory indications.
• Experience working in a clinical trial setting, including authoring and oversight of clinical and regulatory documents.

Preferred Qualification

• 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 and delivering translational science insights to support drug progression through clinical transition milestones.
• Experience leading or managing external collaborations and evaluation of business development opportunities.
• Strong management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives to meet timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high-performance standards.
• Excellent inclusive matrix leadership skills, with the ability to create psychological safety, inspire and motivate a team towards achieving common goals.

Working Model

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.

Benefits

The US salary ranges take into account location within the US market, the candidate's skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. The position also offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.