Application Guide
How to Apply for CMC Lead
at Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
🏢 About Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
CEPI is a unique global partnership that funds and coordinates vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases, operating at the intersection of public health and scientific innovation. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical companies, CEPI focuses on epidemic preparedness and equitable access, making it ideal for professionals who want their work to have direct global health impact. Their mission-driven approach and collaborative model with diverse stakeholders create a dynamic environment for vaccine development experts.
About This Role
As CMC Lead at CEPI, you'll be responsible for providing Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls guidance across multiple vaccine development projects, ensuring technical quality while advancing CEPI's mission of rapid epidemic response. This role uniquely combines traditional CMC oversight with innovation leadership through the AI CMC engine initiative, directly impacting how vaccines are developed and scaled globally. You'll serve as the critical link between CEPI's scientific objectives and the practical implementation of manufacturing strategies across awardee organizations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing CMC data from multiple awardee organizations, providing targeted feedback on manufacturing processes or analytical methods to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations. You could spend the afternoon collaborating with the AI development team on the CMC engine design, then join a cross-functional project meeting to integrate CMC considerations with clinical and regulatory timelines. The role balances deep technical review with strategic planning and stakeholder coordination across different time zones and organizational cultures.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Is Looking For
- A bioengineering or pharmacy professional with 5+ years of hands-on CMC experience specifically in biologicals/vaccines, not just pharmaceuticals broadly
- Someone who has led cross-functional CMC projects from development through regulatory submission, with demonstrated experience in CTM documentation preparation
- An individual with deep understanding of biological process unit operations (fermentation, purification, formulation) and control strategies for complex biologics
- A strategic thinker who can translate vaccine development processes into actionable CMC roadmaps while understanding CEPI's unique position as a funder and coordinator rather than direct manufacturer
📝 Tips for Applying to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
Quantify your CMC experience specifically with vaccines or complex biologics - CEPI will prioritize candidates with direct vaccine development experience over general pharmaceutical CMC background
Highlight any experience working with external partners or awardees, as this role requires guiding multiple organizations rather than internal teams
Demonstrate familiarity with both traditional CMC frameworks AND innovative approaches - mention any experience with digital tools, AI, or process optimization technologies
Research and reference CEPI's specific portfolio (like their COVID-19, Lassa fever, or Disease X programs) to show genuine understanding of their current vaccine development priorities
Emphasize your ability to work in a mission-driven, non-profit environment where scientific excellence must align with public health impact and equitable access considerations
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with vaccine CMC development, particularly any work on emerging infectious diseases or rapid response scenarios', 'Examples of successfully guiding external partners or awardees through CMC challenges, demonstrating your advisory and collaborative skills', "How you've balanced technical CMC requirements with project timelines and resource constraints in previous roles", 'Your perspective on how AI/digital tools could enhance CMC processes specifically for vaccine development in a global health context']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → CEPI's current vaccine portfolio and pipeline - understand which diseases they're targeting and their development stages
- → CEPI's '100 Days Mission' and how it impacts vaccine development timelines and strategies
- → The organization's partnership model and how they work with diverse stakeholders (governments, manufacturers, research institutions)
- → Recent publications or presentations by CEPI's technical teams about CMC challenges in epidemic preparedness
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Presenting only small molecule or traditional pharmaceutical CMC experience without highlighting biological/vaccine-specific expertise
- Focusing solely on internal manufacturing experience without demonstrating ability to guide external partners
- Using generic CMC terminology without showing understanding of vaccine-specific challenges like stability, adjuvants, or cold chain considerations
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)!