Clinical Scientist, Senior CS or JCDL Full-time

Clinical Development Lead (CDL) in Japan

The Clinical Development Lead (CDL) in Japan is the single point of accountability for all clinical development activities for assigned asset(s). The CDL provides scientific and medical leadership to define and deliver Japan clinical strategy, drives innovation and decision-making, ensures compliance and quality, and leads cross-functional teams to achieve timely, high-quality development outcomes that deliver patient value. The CDL may also take responsibilities of Clinical Scientist (CS) when CS is not assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute Japan clinical development strategy and local adaptations of global strategies, informed by deep asset/disease expertise, to deliver differentiated medicines/vaccines of value to patients, stakeholders and the market.
• Lead benefit–risk assessments and provide evidence‑based recommendations to central CDL, senior management and governance boards on PoS, go/no‑go decisions and risk mitigation.
• Provide matrix leadership across Japan clinical functions (Clinical Science, Clinical Operations, Medical Writing, Biostatistics, Data Management, etc.) to ensure integrated planning and robust execution oversight.
• Serve as the accountable decision maker to resolve disputes within the Japan clinical team and escalate where required.
• Act as a peer to central CDLs to align and optimize global clinical development strategy.
• Promote and implement innovative approaches (e.g., adaptive designs, digital endpoints, decentralised elements) to improve value, speed and efficiency.
• Represent Japan clinical development internally and externally
• Oversee clinical development activities to ensure quality and on‑time delivery.
• Coach and mentor CS and clinical colleagues to develop capability and a high‑performance team.
• Foster cross‑functional decision making, timely escalation and shared accountability.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

1. Significant clinical development experience in the pharmaceutical or vaccine industry (typically 5–8+ years), including leadership of Japan clinical programs.

2. Demonstrated experience interacting with Japanese regulators (PMDA/MHLW) and local stakeholders.

3. Advanced degree in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences or equivalent (MD preferred).

4. Proven ability to lead cross‑functional, matrixed teams and make high‑impact decisions.

5. Track record in clinical strategy development, study design, and benefit–risk assessment.

6. Strategic and scientific leadership with strong therapeutic/asset expertise.

7. Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.

8. Strong problem solving, risk management and decision‑making capability.

9. Operational delivery focus with attention to quality and compliance.

10. Coaching and people development skills; ability to build high‑performing teams.

11. Familiarity with innovative clinical trial design and digital/remote approaches.

12. Fluent in Japanese and business‑level English (speaking and writing).

Success Measures / KPIs

• On‑time delivery of Japan clinical milestones (studies initiated, enrolment, submissions).
• Quality of regulatory interactions and acceptance of clinical part of Japan submissions.
• Alignment and integration of Japan clinical strategy with global strategy.
• Team capability growth and retention; successful mentoring of CSs and other team members.
• Demonstrated adoption of innovative approaches that improve timelines or value.
• Establishment of peer-to-peer relationship with a counter global CDL

Additional Information

Travel: occasional domestic and international travel as required for regulatory meetings, investigator sites and conferences.

This role operates in a matrixed environment and will require close collaboration with global MDT/VDT and cross‑functional Japan teams.

Skills: Agile Thinking, Business Coaching, Change Management, Clinical Development, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Communication, Fostering Collaboration, Influencing Without Authority, Matrix Leadership, Project Management, Teamwork

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal opportunities for all applicants. We embrace an agile working culture across our roles, so if flexibility is important to you please discuss opportunities with our hiring team. If you need any adjustments to the recruitment process to help you demonstrate your strengths and capabilities, contact APACRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com. Please note this email is for adjustment requests only; for other enquiries please use our standard contact channels.

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