National Healthcare Group is looking to fill a Director level candidate to lead a vaccine discovery & development platform.
Specific goals include:
i. Development of vaccine candidate library;
ii. Technology platform development, through leveraging on indigenous capabilities and international/industry partnerships;
iii. Prosecute two novel vaccine development projects to first in human studies
Responsibilities & Deliverables
Lead the vaccine discovery & development platform to enhance pandemic preparedness and resilience for Singapore and the region in the area of vaccine development:
- Drive implementation of the platform's activities, to achieve its objectives and deliverables within a stated period
- Prosecute two novel vaccine development projects within 4 years, from preclinical to first in human milestones against emerging or existing viral pathogen
- Establish strategic partnerships with various players as part of the vaccine development value chain, including academic institutions, clinicians at public healthcare institutions, regulatory authority in Singapore, industry and CDMOs;
- Establish a pandemic response playbook that outlines the strategies, standard operating procedures (partnerships, lessons learnt and recommendations that will need to be activated in the event of a future pandemic or outbreak, as well as put in place the necessary pre agreements between key parties;
- Develop and train a pipeline of talent with experience to oversee the platform's implementation.
Qualifications and Experience
- Ability to commit full time in Singapore, preferably with deep technical expertise, and familiarity with administrative and business operations;
- Preferably at least 15 years of experience in drug discovery and development, either in academia, industry and/or international organisations Familiarity or experience with vaccine related work would be an advantage;
- Familiar with regulatory submission process (with major regulatory authorities and requirements for an investigational new drug, as well as conduct of clinical trials;
- Have knowledge of production process for vaccines, and be able to work with pharma/biotech or contract development and manufacturing company on pilot scale production of vaccine candidate;
- Experience in project management and ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team, including in the fast paced tempo of an outbreak or pandemic;
- Proven ability to liaise with multiple parties, including public agencies, regional international organisations grant agencies and industry;
- Ability to inspire staff and to train a pipeline of talent in vaccine discovery and development;
- Strong organisational skills, business acumen and financial management ability
