Scientific Director, Respiratory

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharma company invites applications for a Scientific Director of Respiratory Biology role. You will lead research efforts targeting COPD and related diseases, mentor teams, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive innovations in respiratory therapies. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. and proven expertise in respiratory therapeutic research, coupled with excellent leadership and strategic skills.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in respiratory biology and pharmaceutical research.
• Experience recruiting and leading high-performance research teams.
• Strong knowledge of respiratory diseases and treatment guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of drug discovery scientists.
• Develop strategic plans for the next generation of targets in COPD.
• Establish external partnerships for innovative research capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Research skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field

Job description

Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Jun 19 2025

Scientific Director of Respiratory Biology in the Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Research Unit (RIIRU)

Job purpose:

Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Respiratory Biology, the Scientific Director of Respiratory Biology will be a key individual in building a next generation respiratory strategy for COPD and related lung diseases and to support continued progression and expansion of the existing respiratory clinical portfolio. The successful candidate will work with their respiratory biology team, RIIRU clinical and translational partners, and the larger GSK matrix for internal research and external academic collaborations to deliver new targets and candidate drugs for respiratory diseases. In addition, the Scientific Director will work closely with Business Development to identify external asset opportunities, perform due diligence, and present recommendations to GSK governance. Importantly, the candidate must be a recognized subject matter expert in either COPD or IPF and have a deep understanding of mechanisms driving disease progression as well as robust knowledge of complex human model systems and translational research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of drug discovery scientists supporting target ID, pre-clinical and clinical projects.
• Scientific Leadership
  • contribute to the development of the strategic plan for the next generation of targets in COPD
  • support the continued development, life cycle innovation, and combinations of the existing clinical portfolio
  • monitor research and market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify opportunities and risks, and develop appropriate strategies to maximize market share and revenue.
  • support the management of a Scientific Advisory Board to foster a network of external experts and key opinion leaders to build an innovative, next generation portfolio and advance the existing clinical portfolio.
• Build cross-functional collaborations to perform efficient target selection and progression and support the existing clinical portfolio with key internal partners including other lines within RIIRU (clinical and translational teams), Research Technology, Precision Medicine, quantitative science teams and others.
• Establish and maintain external partnerships including collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external partners to access cutting-edge technologies, complex model systems, bio-samples, and research capabilities.
• Identify/support Business Development for the evaluation and diligence of external opportunities to complement the GSK respiratory portfolio.
• Drive compliance and quality in the discovery of innovative respiratory assets in priority respiratory diseases and mechanisms, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and adhering to quality standards.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology or related field) with extensive experience in respiratory biology and pharmaceutical research.
• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on respiratory therapeutics and appropriate knowledge of GSK and competitor approved respiratory medicines and remaining unmet need in COPD, bronchiectasis and related respiratory disease.
• Experience in recruiting, leading and developing high performance research teams of drug discovery scientists.
• Experience in leading cross discipline research teams including in vitro and in vivo drug discovery scientists.
• Experience leading and managing external collaborations and diligence of business development opportunities.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing a respiratory portfolio, including research contributions to product launches and lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of respiratory diseases, pathways and mechanisms, treatment guidelines, and market dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strategic mindset with the ability to work with the Head of Respiratory Biology, the Respiratory Clinical Research Head, and aligned clinical leads to help interpret complex data and commercial trends, using biological and clinical insights to make informed decisions and provide advice on indication expansion and business development acquisitions.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial aspects, including marketing, sales, and market access.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

*LI-GSK

Why GSK?

Our values and expectations are at the heart of everything we do and form an important part of our culture.

These include Patient focus, Transparency, Respect, Integrity along with Courage, Accountability, Development, and Teamwork. As GSK focuses on our values and expectations and a culture of innovation, performance, and trust, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Agile and distributed decision-making - using evidence and applying judgement to balance pace, rigour and risk.
• Managing individual and team performance.
• Committed to delivering high quality results, overcoming challenges, focusing on what matters, execution.
• Implementing change initiatives and leading change.
• Sustaining energy and well-being, building resilience in teams.
• Continuously looking for opportunities to learn, build skills and share learning both internally and externally.
• Developing people and building a talent pipeline.
• Translating strategy into action - a compelling narrative, motivating others, setting objectives and delegation.
• Building strong relationships and collaboration, managing trusted stakeholder relationships internally and externally.
• Budgeting and forecasting, commercial and financial acumen.

#LI-GSK*

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.

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.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail] or 0808 234 4391. The helpline is available from 8.30am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday, during bank holidays these times and days may vary.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive .

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK's compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/