VP, Head Translational Research, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Research Unit

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. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

As the Head of Vaccines Translational Research, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our vaccine research and development efforts. You will lead a team of experts to translate scientific discoveries into impactful vaccine solutions, ensuring scientific excellence and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on global health while fostering collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines. Join us to shape the future of vaccines and contribute to our mission of improving lives worldwide.

Reporting to Sanjay Gurunathan, SVP & Global Head Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit, you will define and deliver the global strategic vision for Translational Research and drive operational excellence across the organisation.

You will set the global strategy and roadmap for Translational Research to enable timely, high-quality translational science that advances clinical development across the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases portfolio. You will act as the primary bridge between Research and Development to de-risk programs and accelerate decision-making. In this role you will collaborate across Translational Research functions—Oncology, Respiratory and Immunology—to define and deliver integrated translational strategies. You will design and establish translational studies (internally funded, externally funded, or outsourced as appropriate), determine the most appropriate operational and funding models, and own the execution to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and mentor a global team of approximately 15 experienced scientific leaders and technical experts to ensure quality and timely delivery and acceleration of clinical study data.
• Engage with senior R&D leaders and collaborate with global cross-functional teams, including Therapeutic Areas, Clinical Operations, Research Technologies, and other Development lines, to ensure the seamless integration of Translational Research in R&D success.
• Manage the strategic direction and operational execution of biomarker, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical lab assay development and sample testing.
• Partner with Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation (CPMS) colleagues in the Research Units on Systems and Tools development and deployment and create a community of practice to enable consistency of CPMS in R&D.
• Provide oversight for clinical biomarker operations, lab operational study management and central lab activities to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency globally.
• Ensure global compliance with GCP, regulatory requirements, and industry standards for biomarker, immunogenicity, and bioanalytical research, biobank management, lab operational studies and central lab activities.
• Manage the global budget, resources, and infrastructure for Translational Research team, optimizing allocation to meet strategic objectives.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Immunology).
• Demonstrated leadership skills in an R&D environment in vaccinology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Strong expertise in translational research, including biomarker development and early-stage clinical studies.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of strategic planning and execution.
• High level of proficiency in organisational strategy and development, strong alignment with R&D objectives, and the drive to foster innovation to enhance team expertise in meeting future pipeline needs.
• In-depth knowledge of GCP, regulatory requirements, and guidelines pertaining to biomarker and bioanalytical research, lab operational studies and central lab activities.
• Strong understanding of current trends and advancements in platform technologies and their application in clinical development.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex scientific, operational, and people challenges effectively, to drive scientific excellence, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain a motivated, high-performing team.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, partnering closely across the R&D enterprise to align on objectives and workflows, and to mediate strategic and technical discussions.
• Deep understanding of the drug development process and the application and value of Translational Research in advancing clinical development and project acceleration.
• Experience representing GSK to external experts and partners, influencing industry practices and regulatory positions important to strategic success.
• Demonstrated experience in adoption of cutting-edge technologies that keep GSK as a leader in vaccines and infectious diseases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-doctoral experience in vaccine research or related fields.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for vaccine research and development.
• Track record of scientific publications and contributions to the field of vaccines.

Work Environment

This role can be based in the United States (Boston or Upper Providence), the United Kingdom (London or Stevenage), Italy (Siena) or Belgium (Wavre). It will require on-site presence with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary ranges: If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary ranges from $309,000 to $515,000. Salary ranges in other US locations are determined by market, candidate qualifications, and other factors. The position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share-based long-term incentive program. Benefits include health care, retirement, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.

Application Deadline

Closing date for application: 26th January 2026.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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Contact

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