Senior Director* Ecosystem Development & R&D Production

Become a member of the BioNTech Family!

As a part of our team of more than 5.000 pioneers, you will play a key role in developing solutions for some of the most crucial scientific challenges of our age. Within less than a year, we were able to develop our COVID-19 mRNA vaccine following the highest scientific and ethical standards – writing medical history.
 
We aim to reduce the suffering of people with life-changing therapies by harnessing the potential of the immune system to develop novel therapies against cancer and infectious diseases. While doing so, we are guided by our three company values: united, innovative, passionate. Get in touch with us if you are looking to be a part of creating hope for a healthy future in many people's lives.

Senior Director* Ecosystem Development & R&D Production 

BioNTech is establishing an mRNA research and manufacturing facility in Melbourne based on its modular mRNA manufacturing approach called BioNTainers that will support R&D and the evaluation of mRNA vaccine candidates in clinical trials in Australia, with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem.

In this exciting role, you will: 

Build, develop and operate an R&D Production Hub in Melbourne capable of producing, formulating, and analyzing mRNA for non-clinical studies intended to support the selection of lead vaccine candidates. 

Partner with external ecosystem partners to support the transition of projects into non-clinical development and potential clinical manufacturing with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem. 

Build a team and provide technical leadership in the production, analysis and characterization of mRNA vaccine candidates and formulations. 

Be responsible for setting up necessary processes and structures to ensure efficient and consistent management of the respective R&D programs with the goal of advancing candidate vaccines into clinical development.   

Provide leadership & direction around R&D strategic planning, program development activities including CMC development, project management and financial planning.  

Your main responsibilities are: 

• Setup and operation of R&D Production Hub for the manufacture, formulation, and characterization of mRNA vaccine candidates. 
• Work in close partnership and alignment with the team of Strategy and Corporate Development to meet the needs of partners and clients; provide technical advice on new target proposal, project selection and research strategies. 
• Review, propose, initiate, and implement new non-clinical discovery and development programs in the field of mRNA vaccines. 
• Support the transition of lead vaccines candidates from research production into GMP manufacturing for clinical trial production. 
• Provide scientific direction and create roadmap for R&D strategy and innovations that will deliver on business goals in close partnership with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Responsible for creating R&D policies, programs, and procedures and in accordance with global standards to support the overall business strategy and profitable operations. 
• Manage and align all activities of R&D lab with company goals, regulatory requirements, budgets, and schedule. 
• Manage and monitor project status and provide agile management strategies if changes are required. Deliver milestones in time, within budget and matching the required level of performance and quality.  
• Maintain knowledge of leading-edge technology and research. 
• Develop strategic partnerships with industry and institutions. Effectively networks with key opinion leaders in the field to identify and utilize external expertise and innovation. 
• Establish departmental goals, metrics and monitor initiatives and performance. 
• Build, lead and develop the R&D Production Hub & Development team in accordance with company leadership principles.

What you have to offer: 

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Development or a related discipline with 12+ years of industry experience in drug discovery and development; or master’s degree with 15+ years of industry experience in drug discovery and development. 
• Prior experience in the manufacture and characterization of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their formulation in addition to a deep understanding of scientific principles, theories, concepts, practices and standards for research and development. 
• Prior experience in mRNA design & manufacture, formulation, and characterization desirable. 
• Prior experience in managing projects and leading cross-functional teams, preferably with previous work experience in R&D and/or regulated environments (e.g. GCP/GCLP, GMP) 
• Demonstrated project and team leadership experience in an academic or industrial research setting. 
• Demonstrated track record of past achievements in research and development, publications, patents and product pipeline contributions. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, motivate with enthusiasm and develop productive working relationships with key stakeholders.  
• Prior experience in building a new research and development technical team and prior experience working on a greenfield project desirable.  
• Strong technical and people leadership skills including willingness to mentor team members and share knowledge. 
• Ability to be agile and effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with internal and external stakeholders. 
• •Ability to communicate effectively up and down, at all levels of the organization, present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity. 
• Ability to work in an international team understanding cross-cultural perspectives for technical transfer of processes from Germany. 
• Employs strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage shifting priorities, demands and timelines.  Ability to identify problems, define problem statements clearly and drive resolution through sound and systematic application of technical knowledge. Innovative and effective in solution development, risk management, and execution.  
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment. 
• Demonstrates sound judgment in collecting and synthesizing relevant data and information; communicates, influences, and escalates issues and decisions as needed. 
• Takes accountability for actions, drives results, learns from mistakes. Is direct and truthful and therefore widely trusted – delivers on promises, goals, and expectations. Makes quality decisions and resolves problems rapidly. Asks "what can I do to help?"
   

Benefits for you:

We offer a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to apply: 

Apply now and simply send us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details by using our online form.

Please note: 

• Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered.
• Only Candidates with the right qualifications and relevant experience shall be shortlisted and
• Incomplete applications shall be rejected.
• Please note that BioNTech will run a background check during the hiring process

We are looking forward receiving your application.

*BioNTech does not tolerate discrimination, favoritism, or harassment based on gender, political opinion, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or social origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, physical appearance, health status or any other aspect of personal status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Most important – it’s a match!

BioNTech - As unique as you

www.biontech.com