Senior Director Viral Vaccines

ROLE SUMMARY:

In partnership with the Chief Scientific Officer for Viral Vaccines (CSO), the role will set strategy for viral vaccine programs based on extensive industry experience, expertise in virology, immunology, synthetic biology, formulation science, RNA-based vaccines, research, and technical development. Must have experience in viral vaccine research and development and working knowledge of vaccine trials, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.Experience with COVID-19 vaccine development, synthetic virology, and work in BSL3 containment is a plus. The candidate needs to provide leadership, scientific and technical support for a diversified research staff. The role also requires experience and established track record in working with multifunctional teams outside of a reporting structure, presenting research and strategy as well as report writing, responding to regulatory questions, and publishing research findings. The incumbent will require global scientific alliance management with external parties to oversee the scientific aspects of a pandemic vaccine transitioning into a post pandemic period.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• With the CSO, the incumbent will provide strategic leadership for one or more viral vaccine programs.
• Leads a motivated, committed and engaged project team. Models and expects effective team behavior to achieve the project goals.
• Leads direct reports and non-reports, reviewing all experimental designs and data.
• Ensures that intellectual property is appropriately obtained and safeguarded.
• Represent Research on the cross-functional Vaccine Program Team as Research Lead, operating at the interface between research and development, coordinating with non-research functions in advancing the vaccine through developmental stage gates.
• Take a key role in communication about vaccine programs in internal Pfizer documents and external patent applications, regulatory submissions, scientific papers, and other communications.
• Serve as a primary scientific liaison with external alliance partners, including collaborating companies, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
• Participate in the management of the Viral Vaccines group, including the supervision of junior colleagues, the group budget, laboratories, and compliance.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate demonstrates a breadth of diverse leadership experiences and capabilities including: the ability to influence and collaborate with peers, develop and coach others, oversee and guide the work of other colleagues to achieve meaningful outcomes and create business impact.

• Strong knowledge of virology, vaccinology and immunology and 10 years of experience in the field.
• Able to effectively direct a laboratory-based, industrial vaccine discovery and development program.
• Proven track record of project advancement and delivery.
• Practical experience with SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, viral serology, RNA vaccine technologies, BSL3 laboratory work, and synthetic virology.
• Understanding of the business aspects of vaccines, and viral vaccine scientific, clinical and competitive landscape.
• Demonstrated innovation and the ability to apply knowledge, techniques and skills to identify and validate best new technologies.
• Experience of providing scientific leadership for projects in the pharmaceutical industry.
• MD or a PhD in virology or a related field.
• >10 years industry experience in pre-clinical research and in vaccine technical development with working knowledge of both scientific and non-scientific aspects.

Organizational Relationships

• Regular interactions with:
• CSO for Viral Vaccines
• Vaccines Research and Development scientists
• Cross-Functional Program Team members
• VRD management
• External collaborating institutions, including the governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Direct familiarity with organizations and leaders of global virology surveillance systems.

Financial Accountability

• Assist the CSO and Finance in managing the program budget and interacting with the Commercial organization to assess potential future economic value and probability of success of vaccine candidates.

Supervision

• Directly manage about 5-10 colleagues.
• Indirectly manage a much larger and evolving cross-functional team to advance and manage the scientific aspects of the development and life cycle management of a viral vaccine candidate and vaccine.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong abilities in scientific analysis, cross-functional collaboration, people management, scientific writing, and public speaking required.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in conducting and leading research in BSL3 containment.

Other Job Details:

• Eligible for Relocation Package
• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus:
• #LI-PFE

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EEO & Employment Eligibility

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Research and Development