Norway Job Openings

cepi

Head of Animal Models

Oslo

August 23, 2024

Vacancy

Vacancy reference

VAC-0368

Department

Laboratory Research and Innovations

Location

Oslo / London / Washington DC

Close date

08/09/2024

Job description

About CEPI

Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – seven of which are approved for global or domestic use - and co-leading COVAX, the global initiative to support equitable access which supported the delivery of over 2bn vaccine doses globally. CEPI has CEPI has contributed to a number of scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development against other infectious diseases, including the first ever licensed Chikungunya vaccine and the first Nipah and Lassa virus vaccines into Phase 1 trials.
As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. Unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI’s five-year plan for 2022-2026 – known as CEPI 2.0 - aims to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. Central to the plan is CEPI’s goal to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective, globally accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Achieving this ‘100 Days Mission’, which has been embraced by the G7 and G20, would give the world a fighting chance of containing a future outbreak before it can spread to become a global pandemic, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage.
CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.
More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.net

About the role

Lead the Animal Models Group in supporting the development of animal and preclinical models for vaccine testing and development studies in the Animal Models Network
Ensure UK NC3Rs animal welfare compliance for CEPI supported studies; oversee and review all aspects of animal research and animal welfare through optimal study protocol development and collaborative review; further develop innovative preclinical testing capacities (i.e., organ on a chip, toxicology, other innovative technologies that can reduce animal usage)
Further develop the CEPI Animal Models Network to engage laboratories around the world and collaborate for future establishment of regional centers of excellence for vaccine development that can achieve the CEPI 100 Days Mission, through collaboration with CEPI Networks and other partners
Provide technical expertise and leadership within the LRI department, contribute to the CEPI Enabling Sciences strategy

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility to lead the CEPI Animal Model Network, including consolidation and expansion of the network; coordination with internal and external team members; working closely with Project Managers and Project Finance Managers for each project.
Overall accountable for preclinical and animal modelling technical support to R&D product development programs and respective projects, and other innovative programs that require support and innovative solutions.
Develop animal models for CEPI priority pathogens and performance of vaccine preclinical efficacy studies through administration of contract work to laboratory partners; coordination of all stakeholders
Develop Animal Models Network strategy, accountable for calls for proposals and due diligence evaluation of applications, and engage global laboratories in high-, mid- and low-income countries for network partnership.
Responsible for presentation to CEPI Governance for continued internal funding programs, and for supporting portfolio reviews and other CEPI-wide processes.
Ensure coordination with CEPI’s other divisions and departments, work with CEPI Leadership team, collaborate with CEPI Biosecurity team for aspects of laboratory oversight.
Lead a team of experienced scientists, ensuring it functions as a high performing team including being responsible for talent acquisition and management; responsible for observing project budgets and coordinating with Program and Project Leads and external partners in a matrixed-team environment.

Education, Experience and Competence

Advanced degree (Ph D) in relevant field
Extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, academia and/or non-profit research organization, with proven track record in performance, execution and oversight of preclinical modelling, vaccine testing and development studies under high biocontainment and/or high-quality regulated studies conditions (GLP or similar). Experience in a contract research organization environment, animal handling experience, and/or experience with animal care and welfare approvals a plus.
Deep understanding of preclinical vaccine development and the science supporting product development, including assays, application of standards, animal models and diagnostics; broad knowledge of end-to-end vaccine development from early-stage development, licensure, and implementation. Understanding of FDA Animal Rule or similar regulatory approaches and use of animal data to bridge to human clinical data for product licensure a plus.
Demonstratable leadership and line management skills for working with technical experts, external CEPI partners, and across matrixed teams; excellent soft skills for personnel communication, leadership by positive influence and caring for others’ well-being through shared work and as colleagues
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate problems, develop mitigation strategies and navigate uncertainties
Able to operate and adapt successfully in a frequently changing environment; imperative to have good remote working skills and personal drive
Outstanding technical written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Travel and Location Requirements

This role can be based in the UK, Norway, or the United States
Up to 20% travel, for CEPI business, lab site visits, conferences or similar

What we can offer you

Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
The opportunity to work together with leading internal and external experts on solutions for global challenges
A diverse and inclusive working environment

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