Executive Director, Vaccines Testing Lab

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Join Us as a Vaccines Laboratory Leader - Drive Innovation in Vaccine Development

The Vaccines Laboratory Leader provides strategic and operational leadership for vaccine-focused laboratory operations, supporting research, development, characterization, and lifecycle management of vaccine products. This role integrates scientific excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to accelerate vaccine programs from early development through commercialization.

The Vaccines Laboratory Leader sets operational standards, develops long-term laboratory strategy, manages budgets and capital investments, and ensures compliance with global regulatory and biosafety requirements. This role may require up to 30% travel.

Provide strategic and operational leadership across vaccine development laboratories, including antigen discovery, assay development, immunogenicity testing, viral/bacterial characterization, and stability programs.

Oversee development, qualification, validation, and transfer of analytical methods supporting vaccine drug substance and drug product programs. Ensure scientific rigor and innovation in support of novel vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, viral vectors, recombinant proteins, adjuvants).

Partner with Quality, PPI, Automation, Operations and Regulatory Affairs to ensure seamless program execution from early development through commercialization and lifecycle management.

Oversee adherence to global regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, WHO, MHRA, etc.), applicable GxP requirements, and biosafety regulations. Lead inspection readiness efforts and represent laboratory operations during audits and regulatory interactions.

Develop operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and long-term forecasts. Optimize laboratory resources, space allocation, and instrumentation to maximize operational efficiency and program success.

Collaborate with Business Development to support new vaccine program opportunities, external partnerships, and technology transfers. Contribute technical expertise during client engagements and due diligence activities.

Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing scientific teams. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Establish laboratory goals, KPIs, and performance metrics. Implement process improvements to enhance productivity, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences field required; advanced degree (MS, PhD) strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in vaccine development, biologics, or related pharmaceutical laboratory environments (typically 15+ years).
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary laboratory teams supporting vaccine R&D programs.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership and people management experience.
• Strong understanding of vaccine platforms, immunology, and biologics development lifecycle.

Years of experience reflect typical requirements and are not the sole determinant in employment decisions.

• In-depth knowledge of vaccine development processes, including antigen design, immunogenicity assessment, potency assays, and stability testing.
• Strong expertise in biologics analytical…