Head of mRNA Sciences

Function / Department : R&D - CGT - mRNAPosition Title / Role : Head of mRNA Sciences (Final title to be commensurate with experience)Qualification & Experience: PhD / MD / MSc (Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline) with 15+ years of progressive industry experience in mRNA technology with end to end ownership from Discovery to CMC. Demonstrated leadership in Vaccine and/or Cell & Gene Therapy development. Proven track record of advancing mRNA-based candidates into IND/CTA-enabling and clinical stagesJob Location : Genome Valley, Shamirpet, Hyderabad Main purpose of the Job:The Head of mRNA Sciences will run a Laboratory and provide strategic, scientific, and organizational leadership to establish and advance state of the art mRNA capabilities across vaccines and cell & gene therapy programs.The role is accountable for enabling next-generation mRNA therapeutic approaches, including mRNA vaccines, in vivo CAR T therapies, and in vivo genome editing, by driving innovation from early research through process development, CMC, and clinical translation. Job responsibilities:Scientific & Technical LeadershipLead the design, optimization, and characterization of mRNA constructs, including sequence design, untranslated regions (UTRs), caps, poly(A) tails, and chemical modifications.Guide development of mRNA-based vaccines, immunotherapies, and gene-editing applications (e.g., CRISPR/Cas, base editors).Maintain awareness of emerging mRNA, delivery, and genome editing technologies, ensuring internal platforms remain competitive and future-ready.CMC & Translational ExcellenceProvide end to end oversight from Research to process development, and scale up for mRNA drug substances and drug products.Ensure robust CMC strategies for IND/CTA submissions, including specification setting, control strategies and stability programs.Enable seamless technology transfer from R&D to GMP manufacturing.Drive cost effective, scalable, and compliant mRNA manufacturing platforms.Program & Portfolio LeadershipDefine and execute mRNA platform strategy aligned with Vaccines and CGT portfolio priorities.Partner closely with Discovery, Preclinical, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.Support asset progression through go/no go decisions, development milestones, and governance reviews.People & Organizational LeadershipEstablish a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and knowledge sharing.Represent the mRNA function in internal leadership forums and with external collaborators.External Engagement & InnovationAct as scientific ambassador for Biological E. in external collaborations, academic partnerships, vendors, and technology licensors.Evaluate in licensing, partnerships, and platform acquisition opportunities in the mRNA and CGT space.Support due diligence activities for strategic business development initiatives.

Candidate desired skills:Technical ExpertiseHands on expertise & deep understanding of mRNA biology, synthesis, purification and characterization.Strong knowledge of regulatory expectations for mRNA products (vaccines and therapeutics).Experience with cell & gene therapy concepts, including in vivo CAR T, genome editing, or RNA based therapeutics, is highly preferred.Leadership & Strategic SkillsStrategic thinker capable of translating cutting edge science into development-ready mRNA platforms.Strong decision making skills in ambiguous and fast moving environments.Collaboration & CommunicationExcellent cross functional, intercultural, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to senior leadership and non experts.