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Director Translational Science Lead Respiratory

GlaxoSmithKline, Rahns, PA, United States


Director, Translational Science Lead - Respiratory
R&D Translational Sciences is part of the newly formed Translational & Developmental Sciences (TDS). It is accountable for end-to-end disease area translational science to inform therapy area and program level biomarker strategies from preclinical to launch. This includes generation of foundational data and disease biomarker development and validation that allow timely deployment of tools/biomarkers to support Proof of Mechanism (PoM), signs of clinical efficacy, Proof of Concept (PoC), and pairing mechanisms of action with patient subtypes to predict responder populations. We are looking for a dynamic individual to excel in the following responsibilities.

Disease Biomarker Strategy Development and Delivery
Partner with the Clinical Teams, R&D Technologies and the RIIRU Early Pipeline Unit with focus on the Respiratory portfolio to identify, establish biomarkers for decision making throughout clinical development phases and aligned with overall R&D goals. This includes identification, prioritisation and validation of disease‐relevant biomarkers, mechanistic/surrogate biomarkers, patient stratification, differentiated response prediction, deployment into clinical studies and interpretation of data/results.

Translational Leadership
Provide strategic leadership contributing to a deep understanding of disease areas enabling the development and execution of translational research disease strategies to support the discovery and development of novel differentiated therapeutics, including evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.

Translational Innovation

Evaluate novel techniques and technologies (e.g., spatial transcriptomics) to inform translational initiatives, biomarker development and validation working in collaboration with platform teams in a multi‐functional matrix environment.

Identify and guide validation of human assays (cells, tissues and organs) to enhance human translation and predictive value through resources such as the Human Cell Atlas, disease tissue multi‐omics data and genetic resources.

Cross‐functional Collaboration
Collaborate closely with cross‐functional teams including Translational Disease Teams, biology groups, biomarker platforms, Medicine Development Teams, HBSM, data‐sciences, regulatory affairs, business development and commercial to ensure seamless integration of translational research and biomarker strategies across the drug development lifecycle.

External Partnerships

Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic institutions, CROs and other external partners to access cutting‐edge technologies, tools, reagents, biosamples, biomarker expertise and research capabilities.

Contribute to evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.

Matrix Leadership

Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure a high‐performing and motivated team.

Manage disease and project level resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful execution of projects and achievement of milestones.

Represent Translational Science at portfolio governance reviews providing critical input to pipeline and investment decision making.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in a Scientific or Life Science discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Physical Chemistry or related field).

Extensive experience in translational science and biomarker development ideally within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

Recognized translational/biomarker expert in scientific community through publications and contributions to the field.

Experience of translation and biomarkers implementation in Respiratory indications.

Experience working in a clinical trial setting, participating in clinical studies and authoring and overseeing clinical and regulatory documents.

Experience / working knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry standards, best practices and compliance considerations in translational research and biomarker development and validation.

Experience in technologies and methods used in translational research.

Proven track record of program decision making through implementing biomarker strategies and delivering translational science insights in support of drug progression through clinical transition milestones.

Experience leading and managing external collaborations and evaluating business development opportunities.

Experienced matrix leader with the ability to create psychological safety, inspire and motivate a team toward common goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Awareness of bioinformatic or computational methods supporting integrated analysis and interpretation of translational and biomarker‐related data sets.

Strong management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives to meet timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high‐performance standards.

Experience adapting to fast‐paced and evolving research environments, with strong problem‐solving and critical‐thinking skills.

Work Location
This role is based in the United Kingdom or the United States and offers a hybrid working model, combining on‐site and remote work flexibility. Join us in shaping the future of translational science and making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

Equal Opportunity Statement
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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, military service, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

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