Vice President, Head Translational Research, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Research Unit

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biopharma company is seeking a VP, Head of Translational Research to lead a team of experienced scientific leaders focused on advancing vaccine and infectious disease research. This role involves strategic management of research projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering innovation in medical solutions. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific field and possess strong leadership and problem-solving skills. The position supports hybrid work arrangements and offers a vibrant work environment, aiming to positively impact global health.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Health care benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation

Qualifications

• 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.
• In-depth knowledge of GCP, regulatory requirements, and guidelines pertaining to biomarker and bioanalytical research.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and mentor a global team of approximately 15 scientists.
• Manage the strategic direction of biomarker and lab assay development.
• Ensure global compliance with GCP and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership in R&D

Translational research expertise

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Organizational strategy

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

VP, Head Translational Research - Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Research Unit, R&D

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 of ambition for patients, accountability for impact, and commitment to doing the right thing, focusing our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patient needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

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 such as 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 proficiency in organizational strategy and development, strong alignment with R&D objectives, and a drive to foster innovation to enhance team expertise.
• 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.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to address complex scientific, operational, and people challenges effectively to drive scientific excellence, operational efficiency, and maintain a motivated, high‑performing team.
• Proficiency in collaboration, ensuring alignment, and maintaining effective relationships inside and outside the organization, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• 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 that are important to GSK R&D success, and 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), UK (London or Stevenage), Italy (Sienna) or Belgium (Wavre) and will require on‑site presence with opportunities for hybrid work arrangements.

If you are passionate about advancing vaccine research and making a difference in global health, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to get ahead of disease together.

Closing date for application

26th January 2026

Salary and Benefits

• If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $309,000 to $515,000.

The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in a share‑based long‑term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role.

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.

If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process.

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 purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.