Scientific Director, Respiratory

GlaxoSmithKline; Greater London, Stevenage; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000

Job description

Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Mar 21 2025

Scientific Director of Respiratory Biology in the Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Research Unit (RIIRU)

Job purpose:

Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Respiratory Biology, the Scientific Director of Respiratory Biology will be a key individual in building a next generation respiratory strategy for COPD, IPF and related lung diseases and to support continued progression and expansion of the existing respiratory clinical portfolio. The successful candidate will work with their respiratory biology team, RIIRU clinical and translational partners, and the larger GSK matrix for internal research and external academic collaborations to deliver new targets and candidate drugs for respiratory diseases. In addition, the Scientific Director will work closely with Business Development to identify external asset opportunities, perform due diligence, and present recommendations to GSK governance. Importantly, the candidate must be a recognized subject matter expert in either COPD or IPF and have a deep understanding of mechanisms driving disease progression as well as robust knowledge of complex human model systems and translational research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of drug discovery scientists supporting target ID, pre-clinical and clinical projects.
• Scientific Leadership
  • contribute to the development of the strategic plan for the next generation of targets in COPD and IPF
  • support the continued development, life cycle innovation, and combinations of the existing clinical portfolio
  • monitor research and market trends, competitive landscape, and customer insights to identify opportunities and risks, and develop appropriate strategies to maximize market share and revenue.
  • support the management of a Scientific Advisory Board to foster a network of external experts and key opinion leaders to build an innovative, next generation portfolio and advance the existing clinical portfolio.
• Build cross-functional collaborations to perform efficient target selection and progression and support the existing clinical portfolio with key internal partners including other lines within RIIRU (clinical and translational teams), Research Technology, Precision Medicine, quantitative science teams and others.
• Establish and maintain external partnerships including collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external partners to access cutting-edge technologies, complex model systems, bio-samples, and research capabilities.
• Identify/support Business Development for the evaluation and diligence of external opportunities to complement the GSK respiratory portfolio.
• Drive compliance and quality in the discovery of innovative respiratory assets in priority respiratory diseases and mechanisms, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and adhering to quality standards.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Pharmacology or related field) with extensive experience in respiratory biology and pharmaceutical research.
• Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on respiratory therapeutics and appropriate knowledge of GSK and competitor approved respiratory medicines and remaining unmet need in COPD, bronchiectasis and related respiratory disease.
• Experience in recruiting, leading and developing high performance research teams of drug discovery scientists.
• Experience in leading cross discipline research teams including in vitro and in vivo drug discovery scientists.
• Experience leading and managing external collaborations and diligence of business development opportunities.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing a respiratory portfolio, including research contributions to product launches and lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of respiratory diseases, pathways and mechanisms, treatment guidelines, and market dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strategic mindset with the ability to work with the Head of Respiratory Biology, the Respiratory Clinical Research Head, and aligned clinical leads to help interpret complex data and commercial trends, using biological and clinical insights to make informed decisions and provide advice on indication expansion and business development acquisitions.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial aspects, including marketing, sales, and market access.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.