Application Guide
How to Apply for R&D Program Leader
at Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
🏢 About Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
CEPI is a unique global health partnership launched in 2017 that brings together governments, academic institutions, philanthropic organizations, and private sector partners with a singular mission: to accelerate vaccine development against epidemic and pandemic threats and ensure equitable access. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical companies, CEPI operates as a non-profit coalition that played a central role in the COVID-19 response through COVAX and has achieved scientific breakthroughs including the first licensed Chikungunya vaccine. Working at CEPI offers the opportunity to contribute to global health security at a systemic level while collaborating with diverse international stakeholders.
About This Role
As an R&D Program Leader at CEPI, you would be responsible for managing and advancing vaccine development programs from early research through clinical trials, coordinating with internal teams and external partners across multiple countries. This role is impactful because you would directly contribute to CEPI's mission of developing vaccines against epidemic threats like Nipah and Lassa viruses, helping to build global preparedness against future pandemics. You would work across CEPI's three main office locations (Oslo, London, Washington DC) while managing complex scientific programs with global health implications.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating with research partners across different time zones to review vaccine development progress, analyzing clinical trial data from ongoing studies, and preparing program updates for internal stakeholders and external funders. You would likely spend time troubleshooting technical challenges with scientific teams while also participating in strategic discussions about portfolio prioritization and resource allocation across CEPI's global vaccine development programs.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of experience managing vaccine or biologic therapeutic development programs, preferably with experience in infectious diseases or pandemic preparedness
- Demonstrates experience working in international, multi-stakeholder environments with governments, academic institutions, and private sector partners
- Possesses strong scientific background in vaccinology, immunology, or related fields with understanding of regulatory pathways for vaccine approval
- Shows proven ability to manage complex R&D programs with multiple workstreams and cross-functional teams across different time zones
📝 Tips for Applying to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
Highlight specific experience with vaccine development programs, particularly for emerging infectious diseases or pandemic preparedness initiatives
Demonstrate understanding of CEPI's unique coalition model by mentioning experience working with diverse stakeholders (governments, academia, private sector)
Reference CEPI's specific achievements like the Chikungunya vaccine or Nipah/Lassa vaccine trials to show you've researched their portfolio
Emphasize international collaboration experience, especially if you've worked across the three office locations (Oslo/London/DC)
Tailor your application to show how your background aligns with CEPI's 100 Days Mission to develop vaccines within 100 days of a pathogen being identified
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience managing vaccine R&D programs and how it prepares you for CEPI's portfolio of emerging infectious disease vaccines", "Examples of successful international collaboration with diverse stakeholders similar to CEPI's coalition model", "Understanding of CEPI's mission and how your background contributes to their goal of equitable vaccine access", 'Experience with regulatory pathways and clinical trial management for vaccines in multiple regions']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → CEPI's current vaccine portfolio and pipeline, particularly their work on Nipah, Lassa, and Disease X vaccines
- → CEPI's 100 Days Mission and how it shapes their R&D strategy
- → The COVAX initiative and CEPI's role in the global COVID-19 response
- → CEPI's partnership model and key collaborators (WHO, Gavi, governments, pharmaceutical companies)
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on commercial vaccine development without addressing equitable access or global health aspects
- Presenting generic pharmaceutical R&D experience without tailoring it to CEPI's specific mission and coalition model
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the international, multi-stakeholder nature of CEPI's work
📅 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)!