Senior Program Officer, Viral Vaccine Development

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
In this role, the Senior Program Officer for Viral Vaccine Development will be a vital member of the Vaccine Development team, responsible for managing a portfolio of investments and partnerships focused on innovative vaccine development. This position will involve overseeing several next-generation vaccines and approaches that aim to significantly impact public health by saving lives and reducing disease burden. The officer will leverage advanced methodologies, including correlates of protection, novel clinical trial designs, and artificial intelligence, to enhance vaccine development processes. The role requires providing clinical leadership, managing program strategies, and facilitating communications with various stakeholders, including Product Development Partners and other foundation partners. The officer will also contribute to the strategic vision of the team and participate in setting overall goals for vaccine development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will advise the foundation on investments in cross-cutting technologies for viral vaccines, providing technical input for development strategies and project plans. Responsibilities include reviewing data to inform investment decisions, assessing technical and regulatory success probabilities, and acting as the Project Lead for priority vaccine programs. The officer will negotiate and manage grants and contracts, ensuring alignment among stakeholders and providing insightful analyses for funding recommendations. Additionally, the officer will consult with grantees to maximize project impact, advise on clinical study designs, and bring innovative ideas for efficient vaccine development. The role also involves representing the foundation externally, forging collaborations with experts, and managing partnerships to achieve strategic objectives. The officer will be expected to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in virology, biological sciences, or engineering, along with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in clinical research, vaccine development, infectious diseases, or immunology. They should have industry experience as a project lead for vaccine or biologics products and a proven track record in developing and managing cross-functional product development plans. Extensive knowledge of clinical vaccine research, from phase 1 through phase 4, is essential, along with strong statistical knowledge and a history of significant accomplishments in viral vaccine development. Candidates should also understand regulatory requirements for vaccine development and possess the ability to synthesize technical and commercial information for strategic decision-making.

Educational Background:
A Ph.D. in virology, biological sciences, or engineering is required for this position. This advanced degree should be complemented by extensive experience in relevant fields, particularly in vaccine development and clinical research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in areas such as clinical research and development, vaccine development, infectious diseases, and immunology. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of success in developing viral vaccine products, ideally with experience in advancing multiple products through all stages of development. Experience as a project lead in the industry for vaccine or biologics products is also necessary.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the role. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to low and middle-income countries where the foundation operates.

Additional Notes:
This is a 12-month limited-term position, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $238,400 to $369,400 USD, with specific ranges for Seattle and Washington D.C. being $262,200 to $406,400 USD. The foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission, typically hiring new employees within the minimum to midpoint salary range. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience, accommodating candidates with disabilities or medical conditions.