CEPI (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) is a unique global organisation with a mission to stimulate and accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and enable access to these vaccines for people during outbreaks. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CEPI has taken a leading role investing in multiple diverse COVID-19 vaccine candidates and co-leading COVAX alongside Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop, manufacture and equitably deliver 2 billion doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021 to end the acute phase of the pandemic.
CEPI is looking for a Clinical Science Lead to join its growing Vaccine Development team, based in London or Oslo. Full details of the role are included below. If you are interested in joining the CEPI team and think you have the appropriate qualifications for this role, please read the detailed job description below and follow the instructions for applying.
Objectives
The primary role of the CEPI Vaccine Development team is to provide the technical leadership to advance our vaccine portfolio, working closely with CEPI’s Research & Development functions, cross-cutting Enabling Sciences teams as well as other internal and external partners.
The Clinical Science Lead reports to the Head of Clinical Development and will be a subject-matter expert in the clinical development of vaccines, supporting the development of CEPI’s portfolio of vaccine projects and the attainment of CEPI’s broader and longer-term goals of vaccine delivery and access, preparedness and rapid response. S/he will be responsible for facilitating CEPI-funded projects in a manner that guarantees clear communication and project continuity which adheres to CEPI guidelines and governance and ensures compliance with national and international regulations and current ICH GCP guidelines.
The successful candidate will research, coordinate and, together with other team members and stakeholders, develop guidance related to key scientific topics relevant in early and advanced clinical development in the context of vaccine development against outbreak diseases, providing advice and support to the clinical development teams. S/he will also contribute to clinical trial capacity strengthening in countries affected by priority pathogens.
We are looking for someone with a strong background and interest in scientific research who can interact with research groups at a global and local level, as well as corresponding health and regulatory authorities, in the preparation for and the implementation of clinical trials. Understanding sensitivities of working in multiple countries, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), will be essential.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want diverse pools of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.
Accountabilities
Research, coordinate and develop guidance related to key scientific topics relevant in early and advanced vaccine clinical trials (including dose selection strategies, clinical case definitions, adaptive and innovative trial designs)
Review and summarise scientific evidence / literature relevant for vaccine clinical development for CEPI priority pathogens in general and clinical development programmes in particular
Organise and support the communication and publication of guidance related to key scientific topics
Identify, develop, and coordinate clinical scientific cross-cutting activities across vaccine R&D projects and coordinate clinical scientific collaborations with internal and external partners and stakeholders
Support the development and management of the clinical strategy and clinical development plan of assigned development programs
Ensure the highest quality of clinical research and operations support is provided to all vaccine clinical development projects in compliance with CEPI’s clinical trials policy, SOPs, regulations, and current ICH GCP guidelines
Advise on the pre-clinical development of new vaccines, where requested, and guide awardees in the selection and interpretation of immunological read-outs for clinical trials
As clinical expert, support CEPI calls for proposals and relevant due diligence activities as required
Represent CEPI at international scientific conferences and in meetings with national authorities and regulators
Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills
To be successful in the role you will need to demonstrate:
Medical Degree or PhD with specialist experience in infectious and tropical diseases, vaccinology and clinical vaccine development or similar experience and qualifications
A minimum of 5 years of vaccine clinical development experience in industry, public health or public sector
International experience (ideally in LMICs) and ability to work on multinational teams
Strong interpersonal skills, team player with ability to lead projects, able to work in different cultural environments and interact with regulators, academia, and industry
Excellent command / highly proficient in spoken and written English, experience with grant applications and scientific writing
Solid computer literacy with standard software packages, e.g. Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint & Word, and literature databases
High level of personal integrity
Project management and / or regulatory experience is highly desirable
Travel and location requirements
While CEPI staff currently work remotely, the incumbent may be required to travel internationally on a frequent basis in the future
What we can offer you
The opportunity to work together with leading experts on solutions for global challenges
Experience from the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
A diverse and inclusive working environment
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please follow the “Apply Now” link.
If you have any issues submitting your application, please contact [email protected]
Applications must be received by 23:59 CET on 26 March 2021.