Distinguished Scientist, Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D
About the role
We are seeking an internationally recognized scientific leader to join our Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D (VAX PR&D) organization as a Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director equivalent).
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a long-term scientific vision and technology roadmap for vaccine drug substance development and manufacturing.
Anticipate emerging scientific and technology trends, integrating new approaches to enhance process performance, speed, and scalability.
Champion innovation in areas such as modeling, automation, AI/ML, systems biology, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Partner across Discovery, Development, Commercial Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Marketing organizations to accelerate vaccine development and commercialization.
Provide scientific leadership on critical CMC strategies, program decisions, regulatory interactions, and business initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and contribute to enterprise-wide scientific direction.
Expand and strengthen strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, industry partners, consortia, and global health organizations.
Elevate organizational visibility through publications, conference keynote presentations, scientific forums, and thought leadership activities.
Represent the organization in due diligence assessments, external partnerships, and scientific advisory engagements.
Guide teams through complex scientific and technical challenges across all phases of development and lifecycle management.
Enable successful regulatory submissions and support global market launches.
Mentor, coach, and inspire scientists and leaders at all levels.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Build organizational capabilities that ensure long-term success and scientific leadership.
Requirements
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
Minimum of 15 years of industry experience in vaccine and/or biologics drug substance process development.
Broad understanding of drug product and analytical development as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing.
Significant experience leading CMC strategies and/or development programs that have resulted in successful regulatory submissions and approvals.
Extensive knowledge of global regulatory frameworks governing vaccine development and manufacturing.
Strong understanding of modern development technologies, including modeling, automation, AI/ML, and systems biology.
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategy across complex, matrixed organizations.
Demonstrated success building, mentoring, and developing high-performing scientific teams.
Qualifications
Experience With Major Expression Systems And Cell Substrates, Including E. coli, Yeast systems, HEK293, Vero, CHO.
Experience across a range of vaccine and biologics modalities, including: Viral vectors, Lentiviral vectors (LVV), RNA-based technologies, Protein subunits, Conjugates, Related advanced biologics platforms.
Preferred Qualifications
Recognized as a leading authority in vaccine or biologics process development, with evidence of scientific impact and external recognition.
Significant contributions to the advancement of vaccine or biologics development and manufacturing.
Strong publication record, invited presentations, patents, awards, or professional society recognition.
Successful collaborations across industry, academia, or global health organizations.
Demonstrated ability to translate emerging science into practical manufacturing and development solutions.
Working knowledge of adjuvant development and associated drug product strategies.
Proven ability to solve highly complex scientific and organizational challenges through innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
Track record of leading through ambiguity, driving transformation, and delivering breakthrough outcomes aligned with business objectives.