SUMMARY: Icosavax, Inc., a member of the AstraZeneca Group (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN), is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiated, high-potential vaccines using an innovative, protein virus-like particle (VLP) platform. Icosavax's VLP platform technology is designed to enable multivalent, particle-based display of complex viral antigens, which it believes will induce broad, robust, and durable protection against the specific viruses targeted. Icosavax's pipeline includes vaccine candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Based in Seattle, Icosavax was formed in 2017 to advance the breakthrough VLP technology with the goal to discover, develop, and commercialize vaccines against infectious diseases. In 2024, AstraZeneca acquired Icosavax, Inc. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology.

The Icosavax preclinical group, based in Seattle, WA is seeking a Director, Vaccines Research with a strong background in vaccine research, antigen discovery and development, and protein biochemistry with prior experience in protein expression, purification and characterization to help progress our vaccine candidates through preclinical pipeline into early clinical development. This individual will manage a team of scientists and associates in vaccine antigen identification, screening, and final selection of the lead vaccine candidate through a series of in vitro and in vivo studies and support advancement of the selected candidate to clinical development. The Director, Vaccines Research will report to SVP, Preclinical and will collaborate with internal and external teams on various R&D projects and serve as a leader and scientific expert and a senior leader within the preclinical team. This is an impactful, high-profile and visible role and requires an individual with outstanding scientific, communication and team and project leadership skills as well as the ability to build positive relationships with expert functions within the organization.

JOB DUTIES:

* Identify and develop vaccine candidates through preclinical efforts and support their advancement to clinical development.

* Design, direct, interpret, and communicate experiments and strategy to evaluate antigens and select lead candidates for progression to early clinical development.

* Translate strategic vaccine pipeline and program goals into operational plans within define timeline and budget.

* Manage and lead a team of scientists and associates, as direct reports, and work with research and cross-functional early development colleagues in delivering the functional and company objectives.

* Responsible for delivering critical-path activities to advance preclinical programs.

* Contribute broadly to the work of the group, serve as a senior leader within the preclinical team and provide management of laboratory activities and fulfillment of compliance obligations.

* Review and provide expert input into internal study plans, study reports, technical documents, patent applications, regulatory submissions (INDs, IBs), scientific papers and other communications for existing and new programs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

* Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry/Biophysics or related field.

* 10 years industry experience in pharmaceutical/biotech and contribution record in viral and bacterial vaccines discovery and development with 4 years of supervisory experience.

* Demonstrated knowledge and experience of recombinant vaccine antigen expression, purification, analytical characterization and advancing vaccine candidates through preclinical evaluation into development.

* Experience with laboratory management and environmental and safety compliance

* Experience of management of direct reports and organizational skills working in a cross-functional/matrix environment.

* Experience in adjuvants and vaccine formulation is desirable.

* Strong verbal/written communication and organizational skills.

* Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

* Manual dexterity required to operate office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, etc.).

OTHER:

* Location: Seattle, WA

* Must be eligible to work in the USA

* To reduce the presence and severity of COVID-19 cases in the workplace and in our communities, Icosavax requires all newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before commencing employment, subject to reasonable accommodation and other requirements of applicable federal, state and local law.

The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $230,000 per year; the base salary will be determined based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. Employees are offered health insurance (medical, dental, vision), health savings account with company contribution, flexible spending account, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(K) plan with company contribution, vacation, sick and safe time, company holidays and floating holidays.