Head of RNA Biology

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Head of RNA Biology

RNA is one of the most promising and least understood frontiers in drug discovery - and GSK is building the function to lead it. Reporting to the Head of Genetic Medicines Discovery, the successful candidate will define and own the strategy for GSK's RNA Biology function, building deep understanding of the RNA regulome and its role in disease pathology.

This is a senior scientific and organizational leadership role with global accountability, requiring deep expertise in RNA biology and in how therapeutic oligonucleotides can intervene in that biology. The role carries responsibility for high-performing teams, external partnerships, and a multidisciplinary, matrixed delivery strategy across GSK.

Responsibilities

This role offers the opportunity to shape a new scientific function from the ground up and lead activities that will define the next stage of your career. Responsibilities include:

• Define and own GSK's RNA biology strategy, establishing RNA as a tractable and well-understood therapeutic target class aligned to the therapeutic priorities of the GSK therapy areas.

• Lead mechanistic structure-function elucidation of therapeutically relevant RNAs, connecting secondary and tertiary structure to function and therapeutic intervention.

• Map the RNA regulome - transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory networks, RNA-binding protein interactions, and RNA modifications - to identify and prioritize points of therapeutic intervention.

• Establish the role of non-coding RNA (lncRNA, miRNA, circRNA) in disease pathology, building causal target validation packages that link ncRNA biology to disease mechanism..

• Partner with chemistry, delivery, DMPK, and CMC colleagues across Genetic Medicines Discovery to translate mechanistic insight into improved molecules and development candidates.

• Lead the development of an RNA Center of Excellence within GSK, establishing the capability, talent, and infrastructure that make RNA biology an enterprise-level asset adopted across discovery and early development.

• Act as a visible scientific ambassador for GSK externally - representing the RNA Biology function at conferences, with academic partners, and across the San Diego life sciences ecosystem to attract talent, ideas, and collaborations.

• Establish and manage strategic external collaborations with academic groups, institutes, and technology providers in RNA structural biology, regulome mapping, and non-coding RNA disease biology, with a particular focus on building GSK's presence and reputation within the San Diego RNA research community.

• Sit on the Genetic Medicines Discovery leadership team, contribute to the overall Therapeutic Oligo Strategy for GSK, and represent RNA Biology on internal portfolio governance committees.

• Build, develop, and retain high-performing, diverse teams with strong scientific rigor and translational focus.

Why You?

This is a rare chance to build and lead an RNA Center of Excellence from the ground up, with the visibility, resources, and mandate to shape how GSK approaches RNA as a therapeutic target class - and to represent that work externally as a recognized voice in the field.

Basic Qualifications

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD in RNA Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or related discipline.

• 5-10 years' experience in RNA biology, including substantial experience in industrial drug discovery roles.

• Deep expertise in RNA structure-function relationships, RNA regulatory biology, and the role of non-coding RNA in disease pathology.

• Demonstrated track record of translating RNA target biology into validated discovery programs with clear translational impact.

• Experience establishing and managing external academic and technology partnerships, with an existing network in the San Diego RNA and life sciences community strongly preferred.

• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders across discovery, development, CMC, and regulatory functions.

• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Experience with transcriptome-wide and high-throughput approaches such as CLIP, SHAPE-MaP, Ribo-seq, or long-read sequencing.

• Track record of patents and/or high-impact publications in RNA biology or oligonucleotide mechanism of action.

• Familiarity with computational or machine-learning approaches to RNA structure prediction and regulome analysis.

• Prior experience with siRNA, ASO, or other oligonucleotide modalities in a therapeutic setting.

• Comfort leading in a matrix

• Sense of urgency, flexibility, independence, and accountability.

• Must be a committed team player prepared to lead in and embrace a team-based culture.

What we value in you

We value curiosity, accountability, and respectful collaboration. We look for practical problem solvers who communicate clearly and act with scientific rigor. We welcome people with varied backgrounds and perspectives who will strengthen our inclusive team.

Closing Date for Applications - 4th October 2026

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Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.
When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

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