Director R&D, Malaria Vaccine Initiative
PATH is an international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation. We take an entrepreneurial approach to developing and delivering high-impact, low-cost solutions, from lifesaving vaccines and devices to collaborative programs with communities. Through our work in more than 70 countries, PATH and our partners empower people to achieve their full potential.
The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) was established to accelerate the development of malaria vaccines and catalyze timely access in endemic countries. MVI works with researchers, companies, governments, and partner organizations to accomplish its mission. The program today includes a vibrant portfolio of vaccine development partnerships, as well as communications, advocacy, and access activities preparing the ground for implementation of future vaccine. MVI’s R&D Unit is responsible for leadership of preclinical programs (lead identification through preclinical) and evaluation technologies (including reference and service centers), and for providing technical support to the translational project teams. The Unit is also responsible for identification of new opportunities (preclinical, translational research and translational development) that are expected to contribute to the timely achievement of MVI's strategic objectives.
MVI is seeking a Director, R&D to serve as the principal pre-clinical scientist & technical expert. Reporting to the MVI Director, the incumbent’s responsibilities include:
- Serve on MVI Leadership Team and contribute to the development and implementation of strategic objectives of MVI program in alignment with donor support. Serve as technical lead for MVI’s new opportunities initiatives toward ensuring successful execution of the strategic objectives for MVI’s Transmission Blocking (TBV) and Next Generation Vaccine Development Programs.
- Serve as TBV Development Program Leader, responsible for maintaining and executing on the Results Framework in alignment of MVI strategic objectives and in accordance with approved budget.
- As R&D Functional Head, ensure R&D team is effectively staffed, directed and managed to support TBV, Next Generation and RTS,S Programs, in alignment with approved budgets.
- Lead assessment of new partnership opportunities; recommend and finalize technical statements of work, milestones and deliverables in alignment with MVI's R&D strategic plan and portfolio objectives.
- Critically interpret scientific data and conclusions from pre-clinical and clinical projects supported by, and external to MVI; use this scientific basis to shape the vaccine development portfolio.
- Assess scientific and technical aspects of ongoing and new projects as a standing member of the Portfolio Management Committee.
- Advise, mentor, and serve as the performance leader to scientific and technical staff on the R&D team.
- Proactively participate in alliance management with external partners, including via participation on Steering Committees.
- Represent MVI at international, regional and national meetings.
- Represent MVI at key stakeholder meetings, including but not limited to Malaria Funders Group (MalVFG) and WHO Malaria Vaccine Advisory Committee (MALVAC).
- Serve as primary MVI liaison with Vaccine Science Portfolio Advisory Council (VSPAC) and VSPAC Chair. Lead annual review meeting.
- Ability to lead R&D team developing vaccines based on a diverse array of vaccine technologies; working knowledge of recombinant adjuvanted protein and vector technology is a strong plus. Ability to manage professional, scientific staff operating in a matrix environment.
- Demonstrated ability to design, execute and interpret data from preclinical vaccine studies, including challenge studies.
- Expertize in humoral and cellular immunology, including in vitro and in vivo functional assays; systems biology expertise a plus.
- Working knowledge of process development, manufacturing and adjuvant formulation strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of FDA and EMEA regulatory requirements for licensing of biological products.
- Demonstrated written and verbal presentation skills.
- Fluency in English required, fluency in French a plus.
- International experience is highly desirable.
- Available to travel internationally up to 25 percent
PhD in immunology, biochemistry, microbiology or related field required, plus 10 years of industry experience in vaccine research and development, including five years of managing teams in an industry setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in malaria vaccine development a plus.
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