Role Overview for VP, Clinical Research with a Vaccine Company – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a pioneering, research-driven vaccine company located in the vibrant Research Triangle Park area of Raleigh, NC. We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Vice President of Clinical Research to join their executive leadership team. This is a paramount role for an individual passionate about public health and dedicated to advancing the next generation of vaccines to combat global infectious diseases.
The VP of Clinical Research will be the strategic architect and operational leader of the company’s entire clinical development pipeline. Reporting directly to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), you will be entrusted with providing the scientific and medical leadership necessary to design, execute, and deliver high-quality clinical trials from Phase I through Phase IV.
You will be responsible for building and mentoring a world-class clinical research team, ensuring all programs are conducted with the highest level of scientific rigor and in full compliance with global regulatory standards. Your expertise will be critical in shaping clinical strategy, interacting with regulatory bodies, and ultimately bringing life-saving vaccines to populations worldwide. This position demands a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic foresight, operational excellence, and inspirational leadership to drive our client’s mission forward.
This is a career-defining opportunity to make a tangible impact on global health, working within a dynamic and collaborative environment. You will have the autonomy to shape the clinical department’s future, influence corporate strategy, and lead programs that address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. If you are a seasoned leader in vaccine development with a proven track record of success, we invite you to apply for this transformative role.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Clinical Research with a Vaccine Company – Raleigh, NC
Strategic Leadership and Clinical Development Planning
- Develop and execute the overarching clinical development strategy for the company’s vaccine portfolio, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory pathways, and commercial goals.
- Author and oversee the creation of comprehensive Clinical Development Plans (CDPs) for all pipeline candidates, incorporating innovative trial designs, target product profiles, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing expert clinical and scientific input to guide portfolio decisions, business development activities, and long-range strategic planning.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, emerging scientific advancements, and evolving regulatory environments in vaccinology to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation.
- Champion a culture of scientific excellence, urgency, and accountability within the clinical development organization.
Clinical Trial Execution and Operational Oversight
- Provide executive oversight for the design, implementation, and execution of all clinical trials (Phase I-IV), ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and with the highest quality standards.
- Lead the development of key clinical documents, including study protocols, investigator brochures, informed consent forms, and clinical study reports.
- Oversee the selection, management, and performance of Contract Research Organizations (CROs), central labs, and other external vendors to ensure seamless trial execution and data integrity.
- Ensure all clinical trial activities are conducted in strict adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and other applicable global regulations. Your deep knowledge of FDA guidelines and international standards is paramount.
- Direct the clinical operations team in site selection, patient recruitment strategies, and site management to guarantee robust and timely enrollment.
Regulatory Affairs and Safety/Pharmacovigilance
- Serve as the primary clinical representative in interactions with global regulatory authorities, including the FDA, EMA, and others. Lead the preparation for and participation in key regulatory meetings.
- Provide strategic clinical leadership in the preparation and submission of regulatory filings, including Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, Biologics License Applications (BLAs), and their international equivalents.
- Oversee the medical monitoring of clinical trials, ensuring the safety and well-being of all study participants are prioritized.
- Collaborate closely with the Pharmacovigilance team to ensure appropriate safety surveillance, signal detection, and risk management plans are in place for all clinical programs.
Team Leadership and Department Management
- Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary clinical research team, including clinical scientists, clinical operations professionals, and data managers.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and performance-driven culture. Provide mentorship and career development opportunities to team members to build organizational capability.
- Establish departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics to track progress and drive continuous improvement.
- Develop and manage the annual clinical development budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve program milestones.
Requirements for the VP, Clinical Research with a Vaccine Company – Raleigh, NC
Required Qualifications:
- An advanced degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD) is required. An MD with a specialty in infectious diseases, immunology, or a related field is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 10 years dedicated to clinical research.
- A minimum of 7 years in a significant leadership role with direct management of clinical development teams and budget responsibility.
- Direct, hands-on experience in vaccine development is essential, with a proven track record of leading vaccine clinical trial programs through multiple phases of development (Phase I-III).
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting major regulatory filings (e.g., INDs, BLAs) and successfully interacting with the FDA and other global health authorities.
- Expert knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines, and the global regulatory landscape for vaccine development.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Experience with late-stage (Phase III) and post-marketing (Phase IV) vaccine studies.
- Proven ability to think strategically and critically, with a talent for translating complex scientific concepts into actionable clinical and regulatory strategies.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, manage conflict, and build consensus across a matrixed organization.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex data and strategies to internal executives, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
- Strong business acumen with experience in budget forecasting, resource allocation, and vendor management.
- A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Generous 401(k) plan with company match
- Significant annual performance-based bonus potential
- Substantial equity package (stock options/RSUs)
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
- Professional development budget for conferences and continuing education
- A collaborative, mission-driven work culture focused on innovation and impact
- State-of-the-art facilities located in the heart of the Research Triangle Park
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in vaccine development. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is a leader in connecting top-tier talent with innovative companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Our dedicated team of Life Sciences recruiting experts understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to this exciting mission.
