HEAD OF DISCOVERY BIOLOGY

Site Name.
GSK Tres Cantos, Madrid Posted Date.
Jul At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.
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.
We are seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to assume the role of Head of Discovery Biology within our Global Health Medicines R&D organization (based in Tres Cantos, Spain).
As a key leader within the organization, the Head of Discovery Biology will play a critical role in enhancing our fill-and-flow projections, driving scientific excellence and fostering innovation, by incorporating innovative approaches while ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
This position will require exceptional scientific acumen, strong leadership capabilities, and a collaborative mindset to work effectively across cross-functional teams and with internal & external stakeholders.
In this role you will… Leading and manage a team of aprox 20 scientists specialized in in vitro biology; accountable of distribution of resources (people and laboratories) across the GHMRD pipeline and TCOLF projects Accountable for shaping and advancing the GHMRD early discovery pipeline (from C2T to C2LO), directly contributing to the strategic growth and scientific leadership of GSK Global Health as an innovation-driven organization.
Drive innovation and incorporation of innovative approaches into the team's work, by keeping up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies in research and development, in the fields of small molecules and monoclonal antibodies against infectious Diseases.
Ensure staff is adequately trained to work across both in vitro and in vivo laboratory environments and navigate biosafety levels (BSL2, BSL3, and BSL4).
Maintain a pool of highly trained personnel capable of operating in BSL4 laboratories to respond promptly to any operational needs.
Ensure adherence to all GSK policies, procedures, and regulatory standards in laboratory operations, including EHSS standards, to be fully integrated into the operations and culture of the function, reinforcing a high-performance and compliant environment.
Oversight of Data Integrity and Quality Assurance related to in vitro studies performed both internally and by external collaborators, with the support of the corresponding SMEs (bio-imaging, screening, cell biology…).
Coordinate CAPEX budgets requirements and centralize needs for new/update laboratory equipment’s Maintains high-functioning and synergistic cross-functional relationships across the different GHMRD teams (in vivo & LAS, translational, clinical) Build and lead cross-functional scientific networks, fostering synergies within the organization and with external partners to accelerate innovation and maximize global public health impact.
Can lead and exploit commonalities between different therapeutic modalities (drugs, mAbs and Vaccines).
Provide strong and inspiring people leadership; attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent while promoting a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning.
Serve as a key scientific advisor and active member in project teams, governance committees, and matrix leadership forums, influencing strategic decisions across the R&D lifecycle.
Why you? Qualifications & Experience.
PhD Degree or equivalent in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar.
Significant experience in a scientific role and managing people Demonstrated deep scientific leadership across a wide range of disease areas, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), malaria, viral diseases, and other global health priorities.
Experience in strategic planning, project leadership, external public-private consortia coordination and budget management in a matrixed organization Prior experience coordinating internal and external teams guided towards the attainment of goals.
Focus on results; capable of leading teams in complex situations and meets personal and collective commitments and promises.
Has a disciplined approach, ensuring a relentless focus on quality, compliance, scientific rigor and operational excellence.
Ability to think in terms of the big picture.
Uses excellent analytical skills and makes decisions with sound judgment after collecting feedback from team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills and demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional collaborations including managing relationships with academic collaborators and CROs Preferred Qualifications & Skills.
Champion talent development and succession planning, providing coaching and mentorship while promoting team resilience, well-being, and long-term engagement.
Encourages a culture of individual empowerment.
Fluency in spoken and written English is required; proficiency in Spanish is considered an asset.
Willing to relocate in Tres Cantos, Spain Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to work across functions and within external collaborations, non-for-profits, public agencies and a demonstrated ability to organize and communicate complex data sets in a clear and concise manner to cross-functional audiences willingness to adjust based on business need.
Proactively generates ideas for improvements and takes actions to solve problems and achieve goals by identifying the underlying issues and recognizing trends.
Closing Date for Applications.
23rd July 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 special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive.
We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines.
We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).
Our success absolutely depends on our people.
While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive.
We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be.
A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included.
Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing.
So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.
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