Head of Preclinical Research, Global Health Vaccines R&D

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next 10 years. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease. Science and technology are coming together in a way they never have before, and we have strong tech-enabled capabilities that allow us to build a deeper understanding of the patient, human biology and disease mechanisms, and transform medical discovery.  We are revolutionising the way we do R&D. We're uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more:

Our approach to R&D.   

The Head of the GSK Vaccines for Global Health (GVGH) Preclinical Research is a high-impact leadership role, accountable for driving the scientific RD strategy and execution of early-stage laboratory research activities across the Global Health (GH) vaccine portfolio. This includes the integration of innovative technologies, cross-functional leadership, and oversight of a dynamic and multidisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing affordable and effective vaccines for lower income countries.

Operating at the intersection of science, RD strategy, and global health delivery, the incumbent provides thought leadership and scientific direction across multiple disease areas, ensuring robust translation from discovery to development. The role is part of the GVGH leadership team and is critical in supporting the GH R&D mission to deliver a 1.3 billion Health Impact goal by the end of the decade.

In this role you will…

• Lead the Preclinical Research function at Global Health Vaccine R&D (GVGH), with accountability for scientific direction, portfolio execution, resource prioritization, and talent development.
• Provide visionary leadership in disease and platform innovation, with deep expertise across a spectrum of pathogens, including AMR, malaria, and viral diseases, and a strong command of both established and emerging platforms.
• Serve as a key scientific advisor and active member of asset teams, governance committees, and matrix leadership forums, influencing strategic decisions across the R&D lifecycle.
• Champion excellence in research planning and execution, ensuring that preclinical plans are scientifically sound, aligned with GH priorities, and delivered with efficiency and compliance.
• Provide strong and inspiring people leadership; attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent while promoting a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning.
• Develop and sustain strategic internal and external networks, including with GSK R&D, global health institutions, academic collaborators, funders, and regulatory bodies.
• Actively support the GVGH Director in shaping future scientific strategy and R&D direction, including identification and pursuit of external funding and partnership opportunities.
• Ensure productive interactions with Technical Development (GVGH TD) teams to support seamless handover and pipeline continuity.
• Oversee resource and budget planning (including complex research grant management), aligning investments to strategic priorities
• Ensure the generation of high-quality, regulatory-grade data supporting filings, patents, publications, and external communications.
• Uphold the highest standards in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), embedding these principles as core elements of operational culture

Why you?

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or MD/PhD in life sciences, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in vaccines R&D, with proven scientific leadership in a complex, matrixed, and international setting.
• Recognized thought leader with external visibility and strong publication and innovation record.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage large budgets, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of public health ecosystems, funding mechanisms, and scientific engagement with supra-national organizations (e.g., WHO, GAVI, Global Fund).

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Foster and maintain scientific collaborations with internationally recognized experts, and represent the company and its research programs in external scientific forums, consortia, and partnerships.
• Build and nurture strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted scientific and strategic partner across the organization and with external collaborators.
• Contribute to the scientific and strategic evaluation of external vaccines, platforms, and technologies, supporting Business Development and partnership decision-making.
• Champion talent development and succession planning, providing coaching and mentorship while promoting team resilience, well-being, and long-term engagement.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required; proficiency in Italian is considered an asset.
• Willing to relocate to Siena, Italy.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively in international and cross-functional environment

Closing Date for Applications: 23rd January 2026

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.

When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

Why GSK?

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

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

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GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

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