Since 2021, MPP has co-led the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme with the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of supporting the development and dissemination of mRNA technology to enhance regional manufacturing capacity. This initiative has established a robust mRNA technology platform, which is being shared with 15 manufacturing partners in low- and middle-income countries through a multilateral technology transfer model. These efforts are designed to ensure equitable access to mRNA vaccines and therapeutics while strengthening local production capabilities.
The programme has already achieved important milestones, including the successful establishment of the mRNA platform and the readiness of manufacturing partners to adopt the technology. Looking ahead, 2025 and 2026 will focus on the implementation of the technology platform at the receiving manufacturing partners and product development activities, to enable the manufacturing partners to produce mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics for inter-pandemic use and beyond.
While mRNA technology has been a major focus, MPP is also actively exploring additional technology platforms to address the broader needs of its manufacturing partners. These efforts reflect MPP’s commitment to supporting sustainable manufacturing ecosystems that can respond effectively to global health challenges.
Building on this effort, MPP is seeking a Technology Transfer Expert to join its team and play a key role in advancing the development, transfer, and implementation of innovative health technologies with manufacturing partners worldwide.
Reporting to the Director of Technology Transfer, the main activities of the Technology Transfer Expert will be to support the Medicines Patent Pool and its partners by providing expert technical support to the Medicines Patent Pool's work related to technology transfer, enhancement of biologics local production capacity in LMICs, the WHO initiatives on local production and in any other initiative concerning production partnerships. The Technology Transfer Expert will:
- Serve as a technical expert in the assessment and selection processes of the new technology recipients.
- Provide technical support to the technology or product transfers from originators to recipient manufacturers in order to increase access of biological health products in the LMIC.
- Provide technical guidance on product/technology evaluations, technical feasibility studies, and gap assessments.
- Lead technical inputs in product development and validation activities, including analytical development, process scale-up, process robustness studies, product characterization, process and analytical validation.
- Contribute to ensuring compliance to GMP standards and regulatory requirements in the industry.
- Work with the MPPs project managers and legal team on the technical terms of in-licencing / out-licensing contracts.
- Design/ author the Technology Transfer package contents and compile the technology transfer plan together with MPPs project manager and partners.
- Support MPPs projects manager and partners in monitoring project progress.
- Provide technical support to the originator and the receiving units during the technology transfer.
- Investigate and support resolution of technical issues occurring during the transfer; contribute to design of corrective measures, change controls and risks management.
- Prepare scientific overviews and presentations for trainings, promotional and partnership events.
- Improve the visibility of the Medicines Patent Pool and promote its work on technology transfer to international partners.
- Contribute to the further development and strengthening of the Medicines Patent Pool network.
Requirements
Essential
- Postgraduate degree in a scientific discipline relevant to health products (e.g. chemical engineering, biotechnology, bioproduction or pharmaceutical sciences).
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong focus on drug substance biologics, with technical involvement in one of the following areas:
- Experience in large-scale or pilot-scale manufacturing of drug substance biologics.
- Proven track record of providing Technology Transfer: technical support of the transfer of processes between development and manufacturing sites or across facilities.
- Proven track record in MS&T: Supporting process optimization, process validation, troubleshooting, and ensuring process robustness.
- Candidates should have had direct involvement in downstream (e.g. chromatography, TFF, filtration) drug substance activities within one or more of the following technology platforms:
- mRNA technology.
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- Recombinant proteins.
- Vaccine or therapeutic products.
- Technology Transfer and GMP Manufacturing:
- Proven project management experience in a cross-functional environment
- GMP Manufacturing: extensive hands-on experience in GMP-compliant manufacturing of biologics, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and maintaining product quality and consistency.
- Demonstrated proficiency in: Drug Substance Characterization and Process Development:
- Drug substance product characterization to evaluate and control critical quality attributes (CQAs).
- Ensuring process robustness to maintain consistent, scalable production outcomes.
- Leading process validation activities to comply with regulatory standards and support commercial readiness.
- Fluency in professional English
Desirable:
- Experience in upstream process (fermentation and cell culture).
- Experience in drug product manufacturing (e.g., formulation, fill-finish, packaging).
- Experience in preparing the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) sections of regulatory submissions for global health authorities and Knowledge of regulatory guidelines from major health authorities such as the FDA, EMA, or WHO.
- Fluency in French or another UN language
Personal Qualities
The richness of MPP lies in its staff: a small, dynamic and multicultural team. The values of Respect, Courage, Generosity and Commitment are essential for a successful outcome.
To thrive in MPP’s dynamic environment and meaningfully contribute to our mission, the Technology Transfer will need to demonstrate the following personal qualities:
- Ability to take initiative, work autonomously, and deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges.
- Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and external partners.
- Ability to work in a matrixed environment with attention to detail and timelines.
- A strong personal dedication to the public health mission and objectives of MPP.
- Energy, stamina, and determination to unite diverse stakeholders around innovative and sometimes challenging ideas.
- A collaborative and supportive approach to working with both internal teams and international partners.
- Awareness and adaptability to diverse cultural norms, communication styles, and work environments.
MPP respects all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status or disability. All qualified applications are welcome.