Director of Translational Science, Hepatology

Embark on a Groundbreaking Translational Science Journey in Hepatology at GSK

GSK is at the forefront of revolutionizing patient care with a bold ambition to impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of this decade. Their R&D is driven by a deep understanding of the immune system and cutting-edge technology, aiming to discover and deliver transformative vaccines and medicines. This commitment is underpinned by a culture of ambition for patients, accountability for impact, and unwavering dedication to doing the right thing. GSK is uniting science, technology, and talent to proactively combat disease, and this Director of Translational Science role is a pivotal opportunity to contribute to that mission.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Translational Research, Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Translational Unit (RIITU), this position offers a unique chance to lead innovative disease area translational initiatives. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping therapy area and project biomarker strategies, significantly increasing the probability of success for pre-clinical to clinical transitions. This includes generating foundational data and developing/validating disease biomarkers essential for early, high-confidence decision-making throughout the drug development lifecycle.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Pioneering Research: Contribute to cutting-edge research in Hepatology, a critical area of unmet medical need. You will be instrumental in developing strategies that drive the discovery and development of novel, differentiated therapeutics.
• Strategic Impact: Directly influence the success of drug development programs by informing key decisions, identifying patient subtypes, and predicting response rates. This role offers substantial influence over pipeline progression.
• Technological Advancement: Spearhead the application of advanced technologies such as single-cell analysis and spatial transcriptomics, working with complex in vitro models and tissue biopsies to deepen disease understanding.
• Collaborative Environment: Work within a highly collaborative, matrixed organization, partnering with cross-functional teams across R&D, clinical development, data sciences, and regulatory affairs.
• External Engagement: Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, CROs, and key opinion leaders, keeping you at the forefront of scientific advancements and expanding your professional network.
• Business Development Input: Contribute to the evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities, offering strategic insights from a translational science perspective.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Provide mentorship and guidance to ensure a high-performing and motivated team, while also representing the RITU at portfolio governance reviews, influencing critical investment decisions.
• Flexible Working: This role offers a hybrid working model, providing flexibility to combine on-site and remote work, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Key Considerations for Career Growth:

• Deep Hepatology Expertise: A strong understanding of translational science and biomarker development specifically within Hepatology is essential. Candidates with knowledge of fibrosis, ECM biology, and steatotic liver disease (SLD) will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Biomarker Strategy and Validation: The role demands a proven ability to identify, prioritize, and validate disease-relevant and mechanistic biomarkers, ensuring their effective deployment in clinical studies and robust data interpretation.
• Translational Innovation: A proactive approach to evaluating and integrating novel techniques and technologies is crucial for enhancing human translation and predictive value.
• Regulatory Acumen: Familiarity with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and best practices in translational research and biomarker development is a key requirement.
• Matrix Leadership Excellence: Strong inclusive matrix leadership skills are vital for inspiring and motivating diverse, multi-functional teams towards shared objectives.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving research environment, coupled with strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, will be paramount to success.
• Scientific Recognition: A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline and a recognized presence in the scientific community through publications and contributions will be highly valued.

This Director of Translational Science position at GSK is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients worldwide. If you are a visionary scientist with a passion for translational research and a drive to innovate, this role offers an exceptional platform to shape the future of Hepatology therapeutics and advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.