VP/Head Research Unit- Cancer Epigenetics (Oncology R & D)

Site Name: USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Providence Posted Date: May 24 2021 Do you have strong strategic vision and a background in leading multi-disciplinary teams resulting in the delivery of clinical candidates? If so, this VP/Head Research Unit Head- Cancer Epigenetics opportunity is one to consider. GSK Oncology R&D is focused on building industry-leading portfolios in four cutting-edge areas of science: • Cancer Epigenetics: modulating the gene-regulatory system of the epigenome to exert anti-cancer effects • Immuno-Oncology: using the human immune system to treat cancer • Cell/Gene Therapy: engineering human T-cells to target cancer • Synthetic Lethality: targeting two mechanisms at the same time which together, but not alone, have substantial effects against cancer Learn more about our work in oncology: https://gsk.to/3c5vcIL GSK's Oncology Transformation: https://www.lifescienceleader.com/doc/building-gsk-oncology-r-d-0001 GSK 2020 Annual Report: https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/corporate-reporting/annual-report-2020/ Oncology R&D pipeline: https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research-and-development/our-pipeline#CTA The Position: The VP/Head Research Unit- Cancer Epigenetics reports directly to Dr. Axel Hoos, SVP Oncology R & D and leads a large research unit focused on target evaluation through early clinical evaluation. The role will develop the strategic objectives and focus the efforts of scientific teams to identify and prosecute novel genetically validated targets, as well as integrating novel technologies to accelerate a transformation in Oncology. This leader will be responsible for effectively leveraging and leading functions in a matrixed environment to achieve organizational goals. He or she would bring a sterling reputation as a thought leader to maximize and drive opportunities in Oncology. The Epigenetics Research Unit Head will be required to lead, communicate and manage (directly and indirectly) a matrixed global organization with a diverse pool of employees. That headcount will be based mainly in the US and UK, but also in other countries. It is a group that is anticipated to expand based on a strategic refresh and the Vice President should be prepared to scale his/her headcount leadership responsibilities. This role will play a critical part in identifying targets that contribute to an innovative, world class, pipeline for GSK. It will require strong collaboration and influencing skills with complex, senior, internal and external stakeholder networks. The VP/Head Research Unit - Cancer Epigenetics will lead a highly matrixed organization. It will have an organization compiled of senior leader levels as well as up to 4 layers beneath them, requiring exceptional communication skills to both have sensitive personal and performance related conversations with direct and indirect reports, as well as deliver large scale inspiring and convincing communication across the R&D organization The role will also require a high degree of influence and strong relationships with other functions to resource and support its programmes effectively, such as the Chemistry organization and the Strategy, Portfolio & Operations organization. RESEARCH UNIT KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To develop strategic direction in a new and emerging area of oncology Epigenetics,. To identify new targets, leveraging GSK's investments in data, bioinformatics, and genomic technologies to deliver medicines in clinically and commercially relevant indications. To lead and drive internal teams in the identifying and prosecution of novel genetically-validated targets coming from using functional genomics approaches, synthetic lethal screens and 23 & Me. Accountable for planning and contracting the resource and partnership required from key functions Responsible for identifying and evaluating partnering opportunities in line with the strategy and playing a key role in the due diligence analysis Operate as a key member of the Oncology Leadership team, working internally with others on the Oncology leadership team to drive the strategy, as well as externally acting as a spokesperson for GSK in the Scientific Community Responsible for developing and managing a high performing team with outstanding talent Accountable for role modelling and embedding the R&D Oncology strategy Accountable for delivery from target ID through to phase 1b Accountable for managing their specific Oncology portfolio including entry of new targets, inclusive of potential business development opportunities The VP/Head Research Unit - Cancer Epigenetics will be required to lead, communicate and manage (directly and indirectly) a matrixed global organization with a diverse pool of employees. Employees will be based mainly in US and UK, but also in other countries, and will span a number of levels from senior leader to employee level. Managing these employees will require an understanding of cultures, style, language, location and broad local employment law. *LI-GSK Why You? Basic Requirements: Medical degree or pharmaceutical science PhD/post doc, with drug discovery experience. Must be recognized as a leader in the area of drug discovery. Highly effective leadership skills within multidisciplinary teams and a background of delivery resulting in clinical candidates. A proven background of establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships with collaborators. Also, a history as a highly effective manager, leading diverse groups. Strategic vision to integrate research into the drug development and business development/commercial activities. High scientific achievement (an international reputation) that will result in a high degree of scientific credibility. Demonstrated experience of academic leadership and a superior academic track record. International experience, exposure and project leadership experience. Preferred Requirements: Evidence of outstanding judgment in assessing partnerships, projects and people; ability to take intelligent risks, courage in personal decision making and willingness to be held accountable, competence in analysis and solving of problems and of ability to prioritize and make trade-offs to achieve goals LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES: These leadership competencies are critical in order to deliver the mandate of this position: Communication: Advanced written and verbal communication skills to clearly articulate their direction and goals, resulting in a positive profile for themselves within and outside the organisation. They have the ability to deliver the key points from complex issues in a simple but compelling message to any target audience at the right level - internally and externally - with clarity and impact Influence: The ability to influence key stakeholders and peers within and outside their team. Effective influencers build powerful personal networks within their own teams and across related projects and external partners. They can mobilise these networks to secure buy-in and support for their project plans and critical asset decisions. Teamwork: The ability to lead teams successfully across boundaries, within and outside GSK and external partners to achieve outstanding results. They are strong contributors in cross boundary groups, involving different functions and perspectives. They are skilled at recognising common goals and orchestrating the effort to build powerful, integrated team solutions. They create clear accountabilities in the teams and organisations they lead and are part of, driving decision making and innovation. Building Relationships The ability to build trust, value openness and understand the perspectives of stakeholders, team members, colleagues, external partners and customers. Outstanding Research Unit leaders give their opinions openly and honestly and encourage others to do so. They are skilled at discovering the views and ideas of others and probing to ensure their full understanding. They have the ability to ‘see things through the eyes of others' even when this conflicts with their own views. They create a project climate where people feel valued for speaking openly and knowing that they will be heard. Smart Risk Taking The ability to take intelligent risks, courage in personal decision making and willingness to be held accountable, competence in analysis and solving of problems and of ability to prioritize and make trade-offs to achieve goals. Enable and Drive Change The drive to do what it takes, within the safety, regulatory and legal framework, to deliver quality and efficiency in all aspects of the project and the business. Outstanding Research Unit leaders are accountable and regularly accept stretching goals; they overcome obstacles and barriers to success and deliver to the highest possible standards. Highly Effective Leadership Skills Lead global teams for delivery resulting in clinical candidates; ability to interact effectively across boundaries within GSK functions, and with external organizations using influencing and relationship building skills, as well as strong communication skills. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop diverse scientific teams and talent with vision, integrity and flexibility. Clear evidence of ability to develop talent at a high level. Decision Making Evidence of outstanding judgment in assessing partnerships, projects and people; ability to take intelligent risks, courage in personal decision making and willingness to be held accountable, competence in analysis and solving of problems and of ability to prioritize and make trade-offs to achieve goals. 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, governance and control, managing ambiguity and paradox. Managing individual performance. Creating a performance culture and driving results, prioritisation, execution, delivering performance. Setting strategic direction and leading on-going organisational transformation. Building a resilient organisation. Building strong relationships and collaboration in service of common goals, engaging the organisation and building trusted external networks for mutual benefit. Managing P&L and capital allocation. If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the GSK Service Centre at 1-877-694-7547 (US Toll Free) or +1 801 567 5155 (outside US). GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in the US, we adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class. 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 GSK's Transparency Reporting For the Record site.