Principal Scientist Neurodegeneration

Are you energized by the challenge of shaping and accelerating the scientific expertise of a biology program? If so, this Principal Scientist Neurodegeneration opportunity could be an exciting opportunity to consider.

As Principal Scientist Neurodegeneration in the Translational Unit within RII RU, you will play a critical role in bridging preclinical target and asset validation and early clinical proof of concept studies by designing and performing translational assays in human-derived cells, tissues, biofluids, and surgical discard organs. 

Despite the listing of GSK-Upper Providence as the primary job location, candidates will be considered equally from the Upper Providence (USA) and Stevenage (UK) sites. This is a lab-based position with an anticipated 4-5 days on-site presence.

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career, these responsibilities include some of the following…

• Working closely with other RII RU lines (biology, clinical) and Precision Medicine to design, optimize, and execute preclinical studies to strengthen target-disease hypotheses and provide evidence for GSK translational pillars by using human ex vivo samples.

• Apply expertise in several of the following capabilities: ELISA/MSD/Quanterix, Western/JESS, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, extracellular vesicle isolation, iPSC cell culture, and emerging technologies.
• Provide technical and disease input into the translational strategy for one or more projects and influence project direction through interpretation and integration of relevant project and other data.
• Utilize a growing internal and external network to build translational expertise in technology and disease areas; act as a go to expert on specific technologies and/or disease mechanisms.
• Work closely with preclinical statistics and other relevant teams to ensure robust study design of experiments. 
• Effectively trouble-shoot assays and, when necessary, develop alternative approaches.
• Identify and progress collaborations with external partners, including academic institutions and contract research organizations, to leverage expertise and resources to support translational studies.
• Stay up to date with the latest scientific literature and emerging technologies relevant to translational research.
• Present findings to internal teams, stakeholders, and governance in a balanced, clear, and precise manner.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records in alignment with data integrity expectations and ensure compliance with all relevant protocols and safety guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards in the conduct of translational research.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the translational research team and across the organization.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD in a scientific discipline (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology).
• 4+ years work experience in translational and biomarker development, neurodegeneration and bioinformatics tools for the interpretation of large-scale datasets.
• 6+ years hands-on laboratory experience in several of the following technical capabilities: bioassay development and analysis (ELISA/MSD/Quanterix), flow cytometry, DNA and RNA sequencing technologies, iPSC cell culture, and emerging technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Experience in human systems using cell and molecular biology, bioassays, and analytic methods.
• Experience in RII RU relevant disease mechanisms and pathways and the ability to apply this knowledge to translational research and biomarker development.
• Experience with scientific innovation as evidenced by effective support of drug discovery projects, peer-reviewed publications, conferences, internal reports, technical evidence documents or patents.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to critically analyze scientific data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present scientific findings to multidisciplinary internal and external stakeholders in a balanced, clear, and precise manner.
• Proven ability to balance priorities across multiple objectives, meeting timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high-performance standards.
• Able to independently define strategic approach to tackle specific project or department goals.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.