We are seeking a Head of Vaccine Process Development for a 2-year-regular position (renewable) to work within the Vaccine Process Development Department at the International Vaccine Institute in Seoul, Korea. (Duty station: Seoul, Korea)

Job Description

The incumbent of this position is responsible for developing vaccine manufacturing and quality control procedures compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and transferring these technologies to developing country manufacturers in accordance with IVI’s strategic plan, including assistance with licensure and WHO prequalification of transferred vaccines.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Develop and improve vaccine development/manufacturing process

• Design, test and optimize growth of microorganisms in a bioreactor to ensure high antigen yield and downstream processes that result in high purity and high yield of target antigens.
• Develop antigen presentation strategies including but not limited to conjugation of polysaccharides to protein carriers that improve the immune response to target antigens.
• Ensure quality of vaccine by developing analytical control strategies (ACSs) for release of vaccine candidates and their intermediates and for identification of vaccine/intermediate specific critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Develop release and stability indicating assays for vaccine and corresponding intermediates.
• Prepare standard reagents in line with regulatory requirements.
• Design experiments and ensure implementation of experiments with staff.
• Demonstrate consistency of manufacturing processes of vaccines produced.

2. Provide scientific and technical consultation & support to collaborating institutions

• Interface with key scientific collaborators to determine and provide scientific and technical support.
• Promote relevant scientific and technical exchanges among key scientific collaborators (vaccine manufacturing, licensing, WHO prequalification, quality control, partnership on technology transfer, etc.).
• Contribute to annual reports to funding agencies.

3. Promote scientific and technical excellence within IVI

4. Develop Agenda for new and current funding

• Identify and proactively seek for new programs/projects opportunities involving vaccine introduction in line with IVI mission and vision as well as provide support and advice on proposals and projects driven by other functional area within IVI.
• Prepare and/or support grant submission, budgets, and contracts as necessary by collaboration with project teams

5. Develop and manage internal/external collaborations

6. Manage Vaccine Process Development Department

• Develop and sustain a pipeline of vaccine development staff, including attracting and retaining accomplished vaccine development researchers.
• Manage, motivate and evaluate vaccine development staff including goal setting and progress tracking.
• Provide advice, mentoring and training to staff.
• Ensure that Vaccine Development activities for existing projects are conducted in compliance with applicable cost, schedule and performance requirements.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

1. Education Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent (Microbiology, Biochemistry or Laboratory Sciences preferred)

2. Related Field Work Experience

• 15+ years (7+ years of people management experience)

3. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• Knowledge of GMP, vaccine quality assurance and vaccine process development.
• Knowledge of purification of proteins and or polysaccharides.
• Knowledge of vaccine manufacturing process and methodology in various manufacturing environments.

4. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English