Role Overview
Reporting to the SVP, Head of R&D in ViiV Healthcare, this role ensures that human biology, mechanistic insight, and data-driven evidence are embedded at the heart of R&D decision-making.
This leader is responsible for defining and executing the end-to-end translational strategy across the HIV portfolio, and will act as the critical integrator across ViiV and GSK Research and Development, enabling the translation of scientific discovery into differentiated medicines that address global health needs in HIV.
Operating at the intersection of anti-viral, immunology, bioinformatics, data science, statistics, modeling and simulation and clinical development, the leader will lead how translational insights inform the HIV portfolio prioritization, creative and accelerated trial design, and improving probability of technical and regulatory success, in line with ViiV’s ambition to deliver high-impact innovations for patients.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Translational Strategy
- Define and implement a translational research vision and roadmap for HIV from therapeutic to remission to cure.
- Embed translational science as a core decision engine across the R&D lifecycle (molecule and formulation selection → clinical proof-of-concept → lifecycle management)
- Drive data-driven portfolio decisions using modeling and simulation, anti-viral data, biomarkers, and multi-omics evidence
Portfolio Impact & Decision Enablement
- Serve as the primary source of mechanistic and translational confidence for asset progression, termination, and business development
- Lead development and deployment of biomarker strategies (predictive, pharmacodynamic, safety)
- Enable early risk reduction and probability-of-success modeling across programs
Clinical Translation & Trial Innovation
- Partner with Clinical Development to design innovative, hypothesis-driven clinical trials
- Integrate viral dynamic modeling, systems immunology and real-world data into study design and endpoints
- Advance patient-centric immune profiling strategies to guide the HIV remission and cure strategy
Data, Platforms & Technology Leadership
- Build and scale multi-modal data ecosystems
- Drive adoption of AI/ML and bioinformatics to enhance translational insights
- Ensure integration of platform sciences (PK/PD, biomarkers) into development strategies
External Innovation & Partnerships
- Establish and lead strategic collaborations with academia, consortia, and health systems as needed
- Access and leverage global datasets and biobanks to generate differentiated insights
- Act as a scientific ambassador, influencing industry direction and regulatory thinking
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partners across Research, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, and Business Development
- Ensure seamless integration of translational strategy into clinical execution and regulatory submissions
- Influence senior stakeholders and governance bodies to drive timely, high-quality decisions
Organizational Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing translational research organization (~10+ scientists) including clinical pharmacology and statistics, as well as a larger matrix team within GSK
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and accountability
- Developing next-generation leaders and critical capabilities in translational science
Operational & Financial Accountability
- Own translational research budget, infrastructure, and resourcing strategy
- Optimize internal vs. external delivery models
- Align investments with portfolio priorities and enterprise value creation
Scope & Impact
- Direct influence on clinical pipeline progression, regulatory success, and major product launches
- High-impact leadership role with enterprise-wide visibility and decision authority
- Accountable for enabling multiple high-value HIV programs through development
Basic Qualifications
- MD, PharmD, PhD or MSc in a related field within anti-viral or immunology therapeutic research
- Over 15 years experience in academic or biopharma research
- Demonstrated success advancing assets from early discovery through clinical development
- Experience of building and leading global, multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of influencing peers and stakeholders
- Expertise in:
- Immunology and infectious disease biology
- Statistic and clinical trial design
- Biomarker development and validation
- Clinical pharmacology (PK/PD, MIDD, QSP)
- Understanding of end-to-end development and regulatory requirements
- Experience of collaborating across complex matrix organizations
- Experience shaping R&D strategy and governance decisions
- Ability to synthesize complex, multi-dimensional data into clear decisions
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, prioritizing investments, and balancing risk
- Experience with publications, speaking engagements, and industry engagement
- Recognized as a thought leader in translational science
Skills
Clinical Development, Drug Regulatory Affairs, Evidence Based Decision Making, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Influencing Without Authority, Learning Agility, People Management, Project Management, Scientific Presentations, Strategic Thinking
Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program ViiV offers US employees. All ViiV employees receive the same benefits options and plans as GSK employee.
