Head of mRNA Sciences

Function / Department :  R&D – CGT - mRNA
Position Title / Role :  Head of mRNA Sciences
(Final title to be commensurate with experience)
Qualification &

Experience:

PhD / MD / MSc (Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline) with 15+ years of progressive industry experience in mRNA technology with end‑to‑end ownership from Discovery to CMC. Demonstrated leadership in Vaccine and/or Cell & Gene Therapy development. Proven track record of advancing mRNA-based candidates into IND/CTA-enabling and clinical stages

Job Location :
Genome Valley,  Shamirpet, Hyderabad

Main purpose of the Job:
The Head of mRNA Sciences will  run a Laboratory  and provide  strategic, scientific, and organizational leadership  to establish and advance state‑of‑the‑art  mRNA capabilities  across  vaccines and cell & gene therapy programs .
The role is accountable for enabling  next-generation mRNA therapeutic approaches , including  mRNA vaccines, in vivo CAR‑T therapies, and in vivo genome editing , by driving innovation from  early research through process development, CMC, and clinical translation .

Job responsibilities:

Scientific & Technical Leadership
Lead the  design, optimization, and characterization  of mRNA constructs, including sequence design, untranslated regions (UTRs), caps, poly(A) tails, and chemical modifications.
Guide development of  mRNA-based vaccines, immunotherapies, and gene-editing applications  (e.g., CRISPR/Cas, base editors).
Maintain awareness of  emerging mRNA, delivery, and genome‑editing technologies , ensuring internal platforms remain competitive and future-ready.
CMC & Translational Excellence
Provide end‑to‑end oversight from  Research  to process  development, and scale‑up  for mRNA drug substances and drug products.
Ensure robust  CMC strategies  for IND/CTA submissions, including specification setting, control strategies and stability programs.
Enable seamless  technology transfer  from R&D to GMP manufacturing.
Drive  cost‑effective, scalable, and compliant mRNA manufacturing platforms .
Program & Portfolio Leadership
Define and execute  mRNA platform strategy  aligned with Vaccines and CGT portfolio priorities.
Partner closely with  Discovery, Preclinical, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Quality, and Manufacturing  teams.
Support asset progression through  go/no‑go decisions, development milestones, and governance reviews .
People & Organizational Leadership
Establish a culture of  scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and knowledge sharing .
Represent the mRNA function in  internal leadership forums  and with  external collaborators .
External Engagement & Innovation
Act as  scientific ambassador  for Biological

E. in external collaborations, academic partnerships, vendors, and technology licensors.
Evaluate  in‑licensing, partnerships, and platform acquisition opportunities  in the mRNA and CGT space.
Support due diligence activities for strategic business development initiatives.

Candidate desired skills:
Technical Expertise
Hands on expertise & deep understanding of  mRNA biology, synthesis, purification and characterization .
Strong knowledge of  regulatory expectations for mRNA products  (vaccines and therapeutics).

Experience with  cell & gene therapy concepts , including  in vivo CAR‑T, genome editing, or RNA‑based therapeutics , is highly preferred.
Leadership & Strategic Skills
Strategic thinker capable of translating  cutting‑edge science into development-ready mRNA platforms .
Strong decision‑making skills in ambiguous and fast‑moving environments.
Collaboration & Communication
Excellent  cross‑functional, intercultural, and stakeholder management  skills.
Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to  senior leadership and non‑experts .