Deputy Director, Health R&D, DHAI

Deputy Director, Health R&D, DHAI

Gates Foundation

October 11, 2025November 25, 2025New DelhiIndia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Health R&D, DHAI is tasked with leading strategic planning, investment management, and partnership engagement to propel India's health innovation agenda. This role involves overseeing a team of experts focused on various health-related innovations, including vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices. The Deputy Director will shape and manage a portfolio of initiatives aimed at enhancing India's contributions to global health research and development, particularly for diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished communities. The position requires collaboration with government agencies, academia, and the private sector to ensure the successful implementation of health innovations and to maintain compliance with regulatory standards. The Deputy Director will also represent the foundation in national forums and policy dialogues, ensuring that the foundation's strategies align with local and global health priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the execution of the India Health R&D strategy in alignment with ICO and global health impact priorities, focusing on infectious diseases and maternal-child health.
  • Shape and manage a high-impact portfolio of R&D investments across various health innovations, including vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices.
  • Assess technical feasibility and risks of innovation product pipeline candidates, prioritizing R&D investments accordingly.
  • Manage a team of investment officers and cross-functional project teams within the DHAI cluster.
  • Advise on sequencing investments to accelerate product development based on market needs.
  • Collaborate with ICO and global program teams to advance product development and innovation.
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, academia, and the private sector.
  • Serve as a senior advisor on India-specific product development strategies.
  • Represent the foundation in national forums related to health innovation. 1
  • Ensure compliance with governance and regulatory standards across R&D initiatives. 1
  • Track performance indicators and identify risks for timely course correction. 1
  • Lead budgeting and investment planning processes within the DHAI cluster. 1
  • Foster a positive team culture and mentor team members for future challenges. 1
  • Act as a strategic thought partner to the Director, providing analytical insights and preparing briefings. 1
  • Monitor emerging trends in India's health innovation ecosystem to inform strategic decisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or a Master's in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 12 years of experience in leadership roles, preferably in R&D within the public or private sector, is required. Strong experience in biomedical product development across various stages, including preclinical, clinical trials, licensure, and manufacturing scale-up, is essential. Familiarity with India's R&D and regulatory ecosystem is crucial, along with a proven track record in building and managing partnerships. Candidates should demonstrate strong program management skills and the ability to navigate complex environments effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or a Master's in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to lead health R&D initiatives effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 12 years of experience in leadership roles, ideally within R&D in both public and private sectors. Candidates should have strong end-to-end R&D experience in biomedical product development, particularly in areas such as vaccines, diagnostics, and medical devices. Familiarity with India's regulatory ecosystem and experience in global health product development are highly desirable.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication within the organization and with international partners. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders in India.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi, India, and requires the candidate to be legally eligible to work in the country without visa sponsorship. The role may involve travel up to 30% to engage with stakeholders and oversee projects. The application deadline is set for 22 October 202
  • The foundation emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants.
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