Executive Director, Vaccines Testing Lab

Thermo Fisher Scientific seeks an Executive Director to lead vaccine laboratory operations, providing strategic oversight of vaccine development programs from early research through commercialization. The role integrates scientific leadership, regulatory compliance, financial management, and cross-functional collaboration to support innovation across vaccine platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for vaccine development laboratories across antigen discovery, assay development, and stability programs
• Oversee development, validation, and transfer of analytical methods supporting vaccine drug substance and product programs
• Partner with Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Operations to ensure compliance with FDA, EMA, WHO, and other global regulatory standards
• Develop operating budgets, capital plans, and long-term forecasts while optimizing laboratory resources and instrumentation
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing scientific teams and establish laboratory KPIs and performance metrics

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Biochemistry, or related life sciences; advanced degree strongly preferred
• 15+ years experience in vaccine development, biologics, or pharmaceutical laboratory environments
• 10+ years progressive leadership and people management experience
• Deep expertise in vaccine platforms, immunology, and biologics development lifecycle
• Strong knowledge of analytical methodologies (ELISA, PCR, flow cytometry, HPLC, mass spectrometry)
• Comprehensive understanding of global regulatory requirements and biosafety standards (BSL-2/3)
• Proven financial acumen with budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning skills