Director, Bacterial Vaccine Discovery
$172,466–$258,699 year
On-siteGaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Lead a team of scientists to discover and characterize novel bacterial vaccine candidates, including carbohydrate conjugate, mRNA, and protein-based approaches. Deliver robust in vitro and in vivo research packages that support pipeline progression and regulatory interactions by presenting strategy and data to senior leaders at governance meetings. Manage external academic collaborations and contract research organizations while partnering with Early Vaccines and Immune Therapies Translational Sciences to develop assays for characterizing immune responses. Evaluate external science and partnering opportunities to expand the bacterial vaccine pipeline and engage with intellectual property attorneys to refine IP strategy. Ensure clear communication of results, risks, and uncertainties across cross-functional teams while defining training opportunities for junior colleagues.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of industry experience
- Proven leadership experience managing a team of junior scientists (PhD and non-PhD level)
- Strong track record in bacterial vaccine research and/or bacterial pathogenesis
- Demonstrated experience leading efforts to characterize immune responses and protective efficacy of vaccine antigens in small animal disease models
- Familiarity with functional immunological assays, such as opsonophagocytic killing assays and serum bactericidal assays, used to measure vaccine-elicited immune responses
- Cross-functional collaboration experience, successfully delivering research and development programs in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
- Experience supporting or leading interdisciplinary vaccine discovery or development programs from early research through candidate selection
- Proven ability to develop and manage budgets for research programs and external partnerships
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong business analysis and consultancy capabilities
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