VP, Head of Virology Translational Sciences

VP, Head of Virology Translational Sciences

Evotec

Lyon, France

The Head of Virology Translational Sciences will lead and support multiple research programs within a partnered virology research portfolio. This role is pivotal in driving biomarker strategies, early clinical development plans, and providing scientific expertise and strategic guidance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing the portfolio and contributing to the overall portfolio strategy. The role involves developing and implementing scientific strategies, such as for hepatitis B virus (HBV) research, and providing leadership in innovation and research excellence.

The candidate will collaborate closely with pharmacology, toxicology, and cross-functional teams, as well as external partners, to identify new research opportunities and foster strong partnerships that enhance scientific capabilities and access to cutting-edge research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific expertise and strategic guidance across all translational research programs;
• Lead the development and execution of biomarker strategies and early clinical development plans for designated programs;
• Develop and implement scientific strategies, with a focus on HBV research;
• Collaborate with pharmacology teams to design and oversee in vitro and in vivo studies supporting human dose and efficacy modeling;
• Partner with the toxicology team to develop and implement comprehensive toxicology strategies;
• Leverage internal, external, and real-world evidence data sets to support hypothesis testing and generate novel insights;
• Identify and evaluate new research opportunities and emerging trends in virology and related fields;
• Establish and maintain collaborations with key opinion leaders and external partners to enhance scientific capabilities;
• Serve as an active and integral member of project teams and governance committees, providing expert guidance and contributing to strategic decisions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will:

• Possess extensive expertise in translational science as it relates to drug discovery, development, and biomarker strategies;
• Demonstrate deep knowledge and expertise in complex data mining, data analysis, and visualization;
• Show a strong ability to leverage diverse data sets for hypothesis testing and generating novel insights;
• Exhibit a proven ability to quickly adapt to new therapeutic areas and emerging research trends;
• Be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset;
• Thrive within a highly matrixed organizational structure, collaborating effectively with senior executives and cross-functional project teams;
• Have experience in leading and managing scientific teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized global expertise in one or more viral diseases, preferably HBV;
• A strong record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• Experience establishing collaborations with key opinion leaders and external research partners.

Experience and Education:

• PhD or MD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Virology, Immunology, Systems Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, or Genetics) with a focus on translational science and biomarker development;
• 10+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong focus on infectious diseases, preferably hepatitis viruses;
• Scientific expertise in translational research and biomarkers, demonstrated through publications and contributions to the field;
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and working with health authorities.

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