Principal Downstream Scientist – mRNA purification
GSKAbout the role
Principal Downstream Scientist – mRNA purification
At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives.
GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.
Find out more: Our approach to R&D
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the development of mRNA-based vaccines? As a Principal Downstream Scientist specializing in mRNA purification, you will play a key role in advancing innovative vaccine platforms. You will design and optimize purification processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the development of scalable solutions. We value candidates who are driven, collaborative, and eager to bring fresh ideas to the table. This role is based in the United States and offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of vaccine development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments to develop and optimize mRNA purification processes.
- Ensure processes are scalable and phase-appropriate for clinical manufacturing.
- Collaborate with global teams, including analytical R&D, GMP, and process development colleagues.
- Drive innovative solutions to improve purification techniques and meet project milestones.
- Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in downstream processing.
- Maintain detailed documentation to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Basic Qualifications:
- Master’s or PhD. degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Five years (Master's) or Three years (PhD.) of industry experience in downstream process development for large biomolecules, including mRNA or pDNA.
- Hands-on experience with purification techniques such as affinity capture, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interactions.
- Three years of experience supporting CMC activities, including process and analytical development.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with Quality by Design principles and DOE studies for process optimization.
- Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (FDA/ICH/ISPE) for process validation and technology transfer.
- Familiarity with nucleic acid analytical technologies.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment.
#LI-GSK
#Vx-Cam
Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.
Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.
GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).
Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.
If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the GSK Service Centre at 1-877-694-7547 (US Toll Free) or
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