Description:
The Scientific Director will lead strategic and technical work across infectious disease drug discovery programmes, with a particular focus on innovative large-molecule therapies and monoclonal antibody-based modalities (monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, antibody-drug conjugates, new antibody formats such as scFv and delivery technologies). The role requires strong experience spanning discovery through early clinical development, translating scientific insight into programme strategy and driving assets towards robust investment, go/no-go decisions.
Operating with significant independence and visibility, the Scientific Director will set scientific and project direction, lead multidisciplinary matrix teams and represent the work with senior leaders, regulators, auditors, external partners and key opinion leaders. The role is accountable for strategy, resources and high-quality evidence across multiple assets, influencing effectively across R&D and potentially managing lab-based scientists as the organisation evolves.
For candidates seeking to be located at our Stevenage site, this role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge, UK. The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge, UK in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
- Lead multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams to define and deliver medicine and project strategies across infectious disease discovery and early development, aligned with business objectives.
- Take accountability for high-quality scientific data packages supporting regulatory submissions, clinical protocols, patents, grants and relevant tax deductions.
- Drive candidate progression by integrating scientific evidence, risk, resources, budgets and timelines, making clear recommendations at key portfolio decision points.
- Provide strategic and technical leadership, maintaining sufficient scientific depth to challenge assumptions, guide research direction and ensure project quality.
- Develop and maintain robust project plans, proactively managing risks, issues, dependencies and mitigation actions to deliver on time, within budget and to required standards.
- Build strong relationships and communicate progress effectively with internal partners, senior leaders, governance and regulatory stakeholders, scientific forums and external experts.
- Ensure programmes comply with GSK policies, procedures, HSE expectations and regulatory requirements, while establishing external collaborations and technology partnerships that strengthen scientific excellence and innovation.
- Contribute to the growth of the group, with potential responsibility for managing and developing lab-based scientists, supervising scientific quality, performance, wellbeing, laboratory logistics and equipment.
Why you?
Basic Qualifications & Skills:
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:
- A PhD, MD, MSc or BSc in a scientific discipline relevant to drug discovery, supported by a strong research background.
- Demonstrated experience in monoclonal antibody discovery or development, with the scientific breadth to guide modality and programme decisions.
- A proven record of leading multidisciplinary matrix teams, defining project strategy and driving candidate progression in complex drug discovery environments.
- Experience using integrated scientific evidence to support key portfolio decisions, including candidate selection and progression or stop recommendations.
- Strong, independent decision-making capability, with the judgement to move programmes forward at pace while managing scientific and delivery risk.
- Experienced senior-level communication and influence, including the ability to position a group or programme effectively with upper management and in large forums.