Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description Join Us as a Vaccines Laboratory Leader - Drive Innovation in Vaccine Development The Vaccines Laboratory Leader provides strategic and operational leadership for vaccine-focused laboratory operations, supporting research, development, characterization, and lifecycle management of vaccine products. This role integrates scientific excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to accelerate vaccine programs from early development through commercialization. The Vaccines Laboratory Leader sets operational standards, develops long-term laboratory strategy, manages budgets and capital investments, and ensures compliance with global regulatory and biosafety requirements. This role may require up to 30% travel.

What You'll Do:

Lead Vaccine Laboratory Operations Provide strategic and operational leadership across vaccine development laboratories, including antigen discovery, assay development, immunogenicity testing, viral/bacterial characterization, and stability programs. Drive Scientific & Technical Excellence Oversee development, qualification, validation, and transfer of analytical methods supporting vaccine drug substance and drug product programs. Ensure scientific rigor and innovation in support of novel vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, viral vectors, recombinant proteins, adjuvants). Integrate Cross-Functional Functions Partner with Quality, PPI, Automation, Operations and Regulatory Affairs to ensure seamless program execution from early development through commercialization and lifecycle management. Ensure Regulatory & Biosafety Compliance Oversee adherence to global regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, WHO, MHRA, etc.), applicable GxP requirements, and biosafety regulations. Lead inspection readiness efforts and represent laboratory operations during audits and regulatory interactions. Strategic & Financial Leadership Develop operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and long-term forecasts. Optimize laboratory resources, space allocation, and instrumentation to maximize operational efficiency and program success. Support Business Growth & External Partnerships Collaborate with Business Development to support new vaccine program opportunities, external partnerships, and technology transfers. Contribute technical expertise during client engagements and due diligence activities. Talent & Organizational Development Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing scientific teams. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Establish laboratory goals, KPIs, and performance metrics. Implement process improvements to enhance productivity, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life sciences field required; advanced degree (MS, PhD) strongly preferred. Extensive experience in vaccine development, biologics, or related pharmaceutical laboratory environments (typically 15+ years). Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary laboratory teams supporting vaccine R D programs. 10+ years of progressive leadership and people management experience. Strong understanding of vaccine platforms, immunology, and biologics development lifecycle. Years of experience reflect typical requirements and are not the sole determinant in employment decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of vaccine development processes, including antigen design, immunogenicity assessment, potency assays, and stability testing. Strong expertise in biologics analytical methodologies (e.g., ELISA, neutralization assays, PCR/qPCR, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, viral titration, HPLC, mass spectrometry). Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory requirements and biosafety standards (BSL-2/3 as applicable), and regulatory guidelines relevant to vaccine development. Experience supporting regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, BLA, MAA) and inspection readiness. Proven financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning. Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities. Experience with technology transfer and scale-up activities. Demonstrated success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing scientific teams. Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical strategies to executive leadership and external stakeholders. Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven, innovative mindset. Global mindset with experience working across international teams and regulatory environments.

Working Conditions and Environment:

Work performed in office and laboratory environments, including BSL-2 and/or BSL-3 settings as applicable. Routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection where required. Potential exposure to biological materials, infectious agents, and regulated chemicals in controlled laboratory environments. Occasional exposure to temperature-controlled environments (cold rooms, freezers). Travel up to 30%, including domestic and occasional international travel. Thank you for your interest as you consider starting a new career journey with us. As the world leader in serving science, our colleagues develop critical solutions through innovation—and build rewarding careers. Discover their extraordinary stories and connection to our Mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Their work is a story of purpose. What story will you tell? Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, veteran status, age or disability status.