Head of mRNA Sciences

Function / Department : R&D – CGT - mRNA

Position 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 stages

Job 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 Leadership

• Lead 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 Excellence

• Provide 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 Leadership

• Define 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 Leadership

• Establish a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, accountability, and knowledge sharing .
• Represent the mRNA function in internal leadership forums and with external collaborators .

External Engagement & Innovation

• Act 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 Expertise

• Hands 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 Skills

• Strategic thinker capable of translating cutting‑edge science into development-ready mRNA platforms .
• Strong decision‑making skills in ambiguous and fast‑moving environments.

Collaboration & Communication

• Excellent cross‑functional, intercultural, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to senior leadership and non‑experts .