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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in drug discovery using advanced analytical techniques.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader with a mission to impact 2.5 billion lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment focused on development, inclusion, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while advancing your career in a dynamic field.
- Qualifications: PhD preferred; extensive experience in analytical chemistry and team leadership required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for growth and strategic influence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Overview
Business Introduction: 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.
Position Summary: Lead strategic initiatives to advance process and product understanding through cutting-edge analytical techniques. This role will oversee the development and implementation of extended characterization platforms, including mass spectrometry (MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and advanced microscopy or bioassay platforms, ensuring robust analytical capabilities to support drug discovery, development, and manufacturing processes, across the whole CMC portfolio. The individual will also focus on team building, talent development, and fostering collaborations to drive innovation and excellence in analytical sciences.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and strategy for extended characterization to support drug discovery and development pipelines. Lead the implementation, optimization, and application of advanced analytical techniques, including MS, NMR, microscopy, and other methodologies to achieve in-depth process and product characterization. Drive innovation to enhance understanding of drug substance and product properties, stability, and quality. Identify and integrate emerging technologies to strengthen analytical capabilities and improve operational efficiency.
- Team Leadership and Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists, fostering collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. Develop and implement robust strategies to attract, retain, and nurture top talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. Oversee resource allocation, budgeting, and forecasting to enable efficient execution of characterization initiatives.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with analytical project, analytical operation, Drug Substance (DS), Drug Product (DP), manufacturing, and quality teams to align extended characterization efforts with organizational goals and ensure seamless integration into development and production processes.
- External Engagement and Reputation Building: Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts, academic institutions, and industry partners to advance research capabilities and drive innovation. Enhance organizational visibility through publications in high-profile scientific journals and active participation in conferences, industry panels, and thought leadership forums.
Qualifications
- Basic Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field (life sciences). Extensive experience in analytical characterization or CMC-related analytical development in the pharmaceutical industry. Extensive experience in advanced analytical techniques (MS, NMR, microscopy) and their application in drug discovery and development. Strong track record with characterization techniques relevant to small and/or large molecules. Experience managing external laboratory partners and transfers to manufacturing. Comfortable working in a hybrid model with regular presence on-site in Belgium.
- Preferred Qualification: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline. Experience with material science disciplines such as crystallography, particle science, or physical chemistry. Hands-on experience implementing digital tools, laboratory information systems, or advanced data analytics in characterization workflows. Experience supporting regulatory submissions and approval processes. Track record in modernizing analytical platforms or introducing new technologies at scale. Experience leading cross-functional technical strategy and managing resource prioritization.
Leadership: Proven track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving strategic initiatives.
Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
Location and Working Model: The role is located in Belgium, Italy, or UK. This is an onsite role Hybrid working model with regular on-site presence required for laboratory leadership and collaboration.
What we offer: A role with strong strategic influence across development and supply. Visible impact on projects that progress into clinical and commercial stages. A supportive environment focused on development, inclusion, and collaboration.
How to apply: We welcome candidates who bring scientific excellence and inclusive leadership. If this role inspires you to grow, learn and make meaningful impact, please apply. We look forward to hearing how you can help us get ahead of disease together.
If you have a disability and require assistance during the course of the selection process, you will have the opportunity to let us know what specific assistance you require in order to make suitable arrangements.
Senior Director, Head of Extended Characterization EU employer: WISE Campaign
Contact Detail:
WISE Campaign Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Head of Extended Characterization EU
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GSK’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of impacting health positively. We want you to shine and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for their ambitious culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We believe that being well-prepared will help you tackle any tricky questions that come your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role at GSK.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Head of Extended Characterization EU
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Director, Head of Extended Characterization EU. Highlight your experience with advanced analytical techniques and leadership skills that align with GSK's mission to impact patient health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey in analytical chemistry and how it connects to GSK's goals. Be sure to express your passion for innovation and collaboration, as these are key values for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven strategic initiatives or led teams to success in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Analytical Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of advanced analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and NMR. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past roles, as this will show your expertise and relevance to the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in team building and talent development. GSK is looking for someone who can lead a high-performing team, so be ready to share how you've mentored others and driven innovation in your previous roles.
✨Understand Cross-Functional Collaboration
Familiarise yourself with how different teams within a pharmaceutical company work together. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with various departments, such as manufacturing and quality teams, to achieve common goals.
✨Engage with External Partners
Think about your experiences with external collaborations and how they have advanced research capabilities. Be ready to talk about any partnerships you've built with academic institutions or industry experts, as this will demonstrate your ability to enhance organisational visibility and drive innovation.
