Associate Director, Head of MET (Mammalian Expression Technologies) CoE

Associate Director, Head of Mammalian Expression Technologies CoE

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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. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease.

We believe the Greater Boston area is an important hub for the biotech and pharma industry, which is why we've invested in growing our footprint and expanding our R&D space in Cambridge, with a primary focus on additional state-of-the-art lab space. Here, we will bring together talent and expertise, building upon GSK's long history of vaccine development, to create globally leading viral capabilities and cutting-edge vaccines technologies, as we add to our robust portfolio targeting infectious diseases at every stage of life.

The Mammalian Expression Technologies Center of Excellence (MET CoE) is a key team within GSK's Cell and Viral Drug Substance (CVDS) department. Our primary missions are developing cell lines for CHO recombinant protein-based vaccines and advancing next-generation cell line engineering for innovative vaccine strategies. Currently based in the US, the MET CoE is relocating from Rockville, MD, to Cambridge, MA, and is an integral part of our global organization, which includes the GSK site in Rixensart, Belgium.

We are seeking an Associate Director to Head the MET CoE, to be based in Cambridge Park Drive (CPD). This leader in genome engineering and cell line development will be responsible for establishing the MET CoE at its new Cambridge location.

The role involves recruiting top-tier scientists and building a high-performing team to advance vaccine candidates from discovery and pre-clinical phases through the CMC roadmap. Additionally, the Head of MET CoE will drive the development of innovative next-generation technologies to maintain GSK's leading position in the industry.

This role will report to the Head of Early CMC Development (based in Cambridge, MA), and will play a significant role in shaping current and next generation GSK's vaccine platforms to accelerate addressing unmet medical needs, a compelling field having a direct impact on patients and global health. This exciting opportunity allows you to lead key activities, collaborate with top talents in the vaccines industry, and advance your career while ensuring timely project delivery in collaboration with process development colleagues and GMP teams.

The successful applicant will spend 3-6 months within the first year in Rockville, MD to support and guarantee a smooth transition of methods and know-how to the new laboratories in Cambridge, MA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and Integrate a High-Performing Team of top scientists: onboard, manage, coach and develop this newly formed team and drive their integration into the global Drug Substance team.
• Cultivate department culture: excellence in science and operations, embracing an open global mindset, fostering a positive culture of transparency and collaboration within the global organization.
• Lead a Specialized Team of ~9 CHO genome engineering and cell line development scientists with 2 missions:
  • Develop next generation cell line development platforms using genome editing and precision genetic engineering.
  • Develop high-producing stable cell lines for new vaccine candidates using latest technology and automation in the field, as part of end-to-end accelerated vaccine CMC development programs.
• Design and drive scientific strategy for vaccine early development phases and integrate it into the end-to-end CMC strategy. Collaborate closely with the DS Project lead and other stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.
• Act as a key opinion leader: think and act strategically, impact and influence within DS, across functions and at senior leadership level to continuously improve and shape the CMC strategy and framework.

Basic Qualifications

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD with degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field
• Five or more years of independent research in a competitive environment in genome engineering/ cell line development or closely related field.
• Three or more years of team management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Industry experience in genome engineering and development of mammalian cell lines for recombinant protein expression
• End-to-end vision of vaccines product and process development
• Knowledge of regulatory vaccine landscape FDA/ICH/ISPE.
• Effective scientific and people leadership
• Excellent communication skills, with capability to influence senior leaders and lead in complex dynamic environments
• Proficiency in project management.
• Open, can-do and positive mindset is a must.
• Demonstrated critical and strategic thinking, fast decision making and adaptability.
• Demonstrated by a strong publication record

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Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose - to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together - so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns - as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it's also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves - feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

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