Head of Lab Operations, VxRD Cambridge US

The VxRD Head of Lab Operations, Cambridge US will translate R&D Strategy into execution by overseeing laboratory operations related activities to allow Scientists to focus on science driving advancement of the R&D portfolio.

This role is accountable to ensure the Lab Operations organization is designed and resourced to ensure effective, efficient, and reliable support to the scientific operations of the Vaccines R&D organization based in the greater Boston area. With an eye to maximizing scientific productivity, the role will champion continuous improvement initiatives and technology that will allow our science to reach new heights driving better project and pipeline performance while ensuring safety of lab personnel.

Leadership of Lab Operations team

• Overall accountable for lab operations service delivery per KPI targets and problem / issue resolution concerning laboratory operations

• Drives employee engagement within the Cambridge Lab Operations team with emphasis on clear responsibilities & expectations, people development, enriching roles, effective recognition, and open & honest conversations.

Accountable for Scientific Lab Operations

• Member of the R&D Site Leadership Team

• Ensure Good Scientific Practices and fit for purpose Quality System are embedded within the in-scope Cambridge area labs (including quality standards, research practices, documentation, etc.) and labs are designed and setup for optimized use.

• Implements and oversees Lab Equipment Lifecyle Management (LCM) program ensuring effective support/coordination between Lab Operations, internal service partners (e.g. EHS, Facilities & Engineering, Procurement, Tech, Quality), and external service providers.

• In collaboration with internal service partners (R&D Engineering Services, R&D Research Operations and Externalization (ROX) Scientific Services), ensure fit-for-purpose design, provision, and issue escalation pathway of lab service vendors providing General Lab Services (GLS), Technical Lab Services (TLS), and Lab Instrument Services (LIS)

• Support to Scientists to execute on their accountabilities to ensure EHS lab compliance

• Oversees Human Biological Sample Management (HBSM) activities ensuring effective support/coordination is provided to the Business and HBSM compliance requirements are met

• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) demand collection for annual 3-year plan, individual Project Investment Proposals (PIPs), and execution oversight

• Operating Expense (OPEX) planning and spending oversight

• Ensure preparation & coordination of audits

• Oversee Management Monitoring planning and execution concerning Lab Operations and supported business areas

Advocate for Continuous Improvement

• Drives innovation in GSK by keeping pulse on the market and emerging technologies - bring industry best practices to the Lab Ops organization with a simplification mindset

• Serve as Global Business Owner / Subject Matter Expert for key lab operations processes/systems

• Propose/lead improvement opportunities in the Vaccines-Pharma R&D laboratories

• Be an ambassador of the ADP methodology and tools to make sure that the lean culture is lived

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• Minimum of 10 years of proven experience in lab/business operations or project management.

• Ability to lead R&D operations within a complex organization of ~400 scientists from numerous scientific disciplines working on complex biological assets in a dynamic project environment.

• Excellent planning skills to support portfolio-driven changes in project priorities requiring updated planning of people, equipment, and supplies.

• Manages the lab operations team to ensure a high level of engagement in order to provide optimal provision of service to scientists and drive operational excellence.

• Excellent skills and leadership experience in performance management, working within a matrix organization, dealing with multiple and diverse interfaces including the scientists, other Lab Operations teams, and multiple partner support functions.

• Customer orientation: ability to actively listen to internal customers and pro-actively propose pragmatic solutions based on their needs

• Leadership experience - ability to manage people; motivates the Lab Operations team and the overall operations network to exceed customer expectations

• Analytical and problem solving (trouble shooting) skills - creative approach to problem solving, results oriented, and the ability to challenge the status quo

• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiation, and communications skills - ability to convince

• Proven planning & organizational skills; ensure the Lab Operations team is delivering on time and quality service levels

• Effective time management, ability to clearly identify priorities and manage multiple completing priorities

• Strong networking capabilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree, preferably in Science, Engine or Business Administration

• Highly motivated, agile & adept learning ability

• Ability to thoughtfully challenge status-quo

• Strong ability to influence at all levels of the organization, particularly Directors to VP level

• Drive change with a high degree of trust and credibility, providing clear project focus and direction

Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

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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