Executive Director, Vaccines Testing Lab

About the role

The Vaccines Laboratory Leader provides strategic and operational leadership for vaccine‑focused laboratory operations, supporting research, development, characterization, and lifecycle management of vaccine products. This role integrates scientific excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional collaboration to accelerate vaccine programs from early development through commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead vaccine laboratory operations, providing strategic and operational leadership across antigen discovery, assay development, immunogenicity testing, viral/bacterial characterization, and stability programs.
• Oversee development, qualification, validation, and transfer of analytical methods supporting vaccine drug substance and drug product programs, ensuring scientific rigor and innovation for novel platforms (e.g., mRNA, viral vectors, recombinant proteins, adjuvants).
• Partner with Quality, PPI, Automation, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure seamless program execution from early development through commercialization and lifecycle management.
• Ensure adherence to global regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, WHO, MHRA, etc.), GxP requirements, and biosafety regulations; lead inspection readiness and represent laboratory operations during audits and regulatory interactions.
• Develop operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and long‑term forecasts; optimize laboratory resources, space allocation, and instrumentation for operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Business Development to support new vaccine program opportunities, external partnerships, and technology transfers; contribute technical expertise during client engagements and due‑diligence activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing scientific teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Establish laboratory goals, KPIs, and performance metrics; implement process improvements to enhance productivity, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life‑sciences field required; advanced degree (MS, PhD) strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in vaccine development, biologics, or related pharmaceutical laboratory environments (typically 15+ years).
• Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary laboratory teams supporting vaccine R&D programs.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership and people‑management experience.
• Strong understanding of vaccine platforms, immunology, and biologics development lifecycle.
• Years of experience reflect typical requirements and are not the sole determinant in employment decisions.

Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of vaccine development processes, including antigen design, immunogenicity assessment, potency assays, and stability testing.
• Expertise in biologics analytical methodologies (e.g., ELISA, neutralization assays, PCR/qPCR, cell‑based assays, flow cytometry, viral titration, HPLC, mass spectrometry).
• Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory requirements and biosafety standards (BSL‑2/3 as applicable) and related guidelines.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, MAA) and inspection readiness.
• Financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
• Strategic planning and execution capabilities.
• Experience with technology transfer and scale‑up activities.
• Proven success in building, developing, and retaining high‑performing scientific teams.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting technical strategies to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Data‑driven problem‑solving mindset with innovative approach.
• Global mindset with experience working across international teams and regulatory environments.

Schedule

Standard Monday‑Friday work schedule. Up to 30% travel, including domestic and occasional international travel.

Working Conditions

Work performed in office and laboratory environments, including BSL‑2 and/or BSL‑3 settings as applicable. Routine use of personal protective equipment (lab coats, gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection where required). Potential exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, and regulated chemicals in controlled laboratory environments. Occasional exposure to temperature‑controlled environments (cold rooms, freezers).

Pay

The salary range for this position based in Virginia is $225,000.00–$260,000.00. The role may also be eligible for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance.

Benefits

• Choice of national medical, dental, and vision plans, including health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours paid time off, 10 paid holidays, paid parental leave (3 weeks bonding, 8 weeks caregiver), accident and life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Retirement and savings programs, such as a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.