Executive Director, Research Therapeutic Area Lead, Immunology

As a member of the R&D Executive Leadership Team, this role holds a key leadership position within the R&D organizations of the CSL Enterprise. In this leadership role you will develop, implement, and maintain a forward-thinking Research Immunology/Transplant strategy and Vaccines strategy, in alignment with the overarching Therapeutic Leadership Teams for T&I and Vaccines.

Main Responsibilities:

Develop strategies to mitigate disruptive innovation for the plasma-derived Ig product portfolio

Proactively contribute to all 5 TA strategies where immunology is a key driver

Drive generation of scientific insights using internal and external expertise to progress projects and life cycle management goals in support of R&D and commercial products across the company

Oversee CSL’s interactions with multi-national government authorities key for developing and maintaining a vaccines product portfolio

Strategic Leadership:

Accountable for the Immunology & Transplant project portfolio and its turnover and maturation in alignment with the overall CSL therapeutic strategy

Oversee new Research projects from target/pathway identification through to lead discovery and IND enabling studies

Provide expert scientific leadership and advice to Immunology/Transplant TALT and cross TA opportunities based on related pathomechanisms

Drive CSL’s drug discovery to ensure development of a commercial portfolio that contributes to the company’s vision of being a leading plasma biotech company

Team Management:

Lead a team of scientific SMEs: Research Product Leads & Disease Area experts to develop strategy and manage internal and external projects

Leadership in a matrix working environment with relevant heads of drug development functions to ensure project delivery

Research and Development:

Drive scientific innovation by identifying novel targets, pathways, and therapeutic approaches in Immunology & Transplantation

Ensure robust experimental design, data integrity, and scientific rigor across all research programs

Foster a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning within the team

Translate scientific discoveries into viable therapeutic candidates aligned with unmet medical needs

External Engagement:

Leverage existing external network to build and maintain strong relationships with academic institutions, biotech partners, CROs, and key opinion leaders

Represent the organization at scientific conferences, advisory boards, and in external collaborations

Identify and evaluate external innovation opportunities, including licensing, partnerships, and acquisitions

Serve as a scientific ambassador for the company’s Immunology/Transplant research strategy

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

Ensure all research activities comply with internal policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements

Partner with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to support IND submissions and regulatory interactions

Maintain accurate and auditable documentation of research activities and decisions

Promote a culture of compliance, safety, and continuous improvement

Innovation and Technology:

Champion the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, platforms, and methodologies to enhance research capabilities

Evaluate and implement digital tools, AI/ML, and high-throughput systems to accelerate discovery

Encourage a forward-looking mindset that embraces scientific and technological advancements

Lead initiatives to explore emerging trends and disruptive innovations in Immunology & Transplantation

Required Qualifications:

Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology)

Significant international experience (>15 years) and a proven track record in senior R&D leadership positions in the Pharma/Biotech industry with at least 10 years in a leadership or managerial role

Demonstration of creating and executing on strategic initiatives

Direct experience of end-to-end R&D development from project initiation through to launch

Strong external network with academic institutions, biotech partners, CROs, and key opinion leaders (KOLs)

Travel Requirements:

This role will require 25% to 30% travel across various locations.

Our Benefits

We encourage you to make your well-being a priority. It’s important and so are you. Learn more about how we care at CSL.

About CSL

CSL is a leading global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives through innovation. Learn more about CSL.

We want CSL to reflect the world around us

As a global organisation with employees in 35+ countries, CSL embraces inclusion and belonging. Learn more about Inclusion & Belonging at CSL.

Do work that matters at CSL!

Full Time