Director of Viral Vector Platforms

GIVAX is a Venture Capital-backed biotech company founded through RA Ventures’ incubator. GIVAX is utilizing a novel vector-based vaccine platform to address unmet public health needs in the prevention of infectious gastrointestinal diseases.

SUMMARY:

We are seeking an energetic and motivated scientist to join GIVAX. In this role, you will be leading a team that is working on the generation, characterization and pre-clinical immunogenicity evaluation of vaccine candidates. You will be responsible for moving the vaccine/s into tech transfer / clinic ready products for Phase 1 and beyond. We are seeking an innovative mind with a strong scientific track record and experience leading teams who deliver.

Leveraging previously acquired industrial experience, the Director of Viral Vector Platforms will be responsible for leading the research team on the creation, characterization and selection of vaccine candidates, as well as improvements to our vaccine platform. The incumbent will report to the Senior Director of Vaccine Projects and will also work in close collaboration with the Director of Operations. In addition to the internal staff, the incumbent will work with key outside partners to plan and execute research that will lead to the generation of our lead vaccine candidates. 

• Please note: The percentages listed below are related to the expected effort distribution for this role.

• In collaboration with the team, build and execute research plans to generate robust data packages that answer key questions for the business
• Review data with the team and support the shaping of next steps.
• Lead interactions with external partners including core facilities, CROs to expand our capabilities with new technologies, methods, and animal models as needed to support our research.
• Author technical documents (protocols, reports) and support preparation of regulatory documents.
• Uphold our culture of scientific excellence and foster an open culture of ideation, innovation, and deep scientific rigor in all that we do.
• Drive deep understanding of scientific literature related to GIVAX programmatic priorities within the team.
• Ensure that work is performed following current, phase-appropriate regulatory and quality compliance requirements.
• Build and communicate key data packages to Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as well as external entities as needed

• In collaboration with Director of Vaccine Projects, create and monitor experimental plans, cost estimates, schedule, and resourcing plan
• Monitor key milestones, decision points, and critical path activities to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables.
• Identify and assess risks / roadblocks, and develop mitigation plans to address these risks in collaboration with Senior Leadership

• Ensure company goals related to research team deliverables are met.
• Support planning of company milestones and research activities related to those milestones. o Provide support to Senior Leadership to achieve the company mission.
• Provide organizational leadership, developing the team both to meet future needs of the business and meet personal development goals of team members 2
• Participate in relevant Project Teams and proactively maintain an open communication channel with other areas of the company to facilitate collaboration across the company.
• Interact with colleagues transparently and cooperatively, contributing to an open exchange of ideas among team members.
• Ensure efficient and agile communication of key information, processes, workflows, and operational elements in various circumstances.

• Reports to Director of Vaccine Projects
• Will have direct reports
• Location: On-site in Philadelphia, PA

• PhD in a life science discipline with 8-10 years of experience working in the life sciences space
• >5 years of experience leading scientific teams & projects
• Authorization to work in the United States
• Demonstrated success leading scientific teams to deliver on time & within budget
• Expertise in vaccinology, virology (mucosal immunology experience is a plus)
• Expertise in animal models for viral infection (rotavirus experience is a plus)
• Experience in working with infectious diseases (BSL2 or above)
• Track record of scientific publications in infectious disease / vaccine space
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams effectively and to build strong relationships with partners
• Ability to work independently and take personal initiative to complete tasks
• Strong organizational/time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks
• Flexibility and willingness to support the team in execution of project goals