Principal Scientist, Spatial Multiplex Imaging (SMI)

GSK is looking for exceptional ambitious Spatial Biology scientists to develop multiplex spatial immuno-assays, to be based in the Spatial Multiplex group at our R&D site in Upper Providence, US. 

This exciting role provides a rare opportunity for the applicant to develop highly desirable skill sets in spatial multiplex assays. The role requires advanced histology, imaging and data analysis expertise, which the successful candidate will combine in order to design and implement novel multiplexed spatial biology assays, aiming to provide molecular phenotyping of tissues with spatial context.

In particular, the role will be focused on using cutting edge technologies that bridge imaging and omics domains to enable high-resolution, highly multiplexed localization and quantitation of targeted RNA and protein panels at single cell level or better. The data delivered by these assays will contribute to key decision-making points in projects across GSK’s portfolio from target validation to late-stage assets.

The role will additionally involve providing expert scientific input to colleagues in related imaging and genomics teams to achieve the best experimental designs for proposed projects and maximize the delivery of decision-making data obtained from critical samples, accelerating the path to effective and safe drugs that help patients to do more, feel better, and live longer.

In this role you will

• Deliver defined multi-modal spatial multiplexing and spatial transcriptomics project packages and contribute to broader packages of work in support of project teams, from conception through to data interpretation and delivery.
• Contribute technical, scientific microscopy and multi omics spatial multiplexing expertise to experimental design, lab work, computational analysis (image analysis, data analysis), and scientific interpretation of data generated, including comprehensive and timely documentation.
• Develop new methods and study designs that will provide earlier, more rapid and more clinically relevant spatial multiplexing data to improve overall project quality and reduce drug development timelines.
• Write and issue/ submit reports (company reports and scientific publications) on results obtained if required.
• Perform sample preparation and routine data acquisition procedures as appropriate. Be willing to provide hands-on lab work and technical / scientific expertise in other areas of the department/division, if required, when not engaged on priority projects in primary discipline.
• Contribute to scientific innovation in the team by undertaking literature reviews, attending conference and testing new technologies and equipment
• Provide advice, training, mentoring and support to members of the group/department as appropriate.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

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

• Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience with demonstrated role performance equivalent to a PhD or postdoc in Immunoassay, Imaging, Transcriptomics/Proteomics or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in routine histology, single and multiplex IHC staining protocol optimization
• At least 3 years experience working in a laboratory setting to conceive, design, execute and interpret immunofluorescence, in situ hybridisation and in situ sequencing assays using established and novel methods.
• No less than 5 years experience handling, processing and fixation (including freezing) of a variety of tissue types to ensure highest sample quality. Preparation of high-quality paraffin and cryosections.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in fluorescence-based tissue-slide assay technologies, assay validation using automated staining and imaging platforms, and experience in generating decision-making data using these technologies.
• At least 3 years of experience in using software applications for image analysis, data analysis/ visualization and data interpretation of images from tissue samples, including AI / machine learning algorithms.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

Please note the following skills are not necessary, just preferred, if you do not have them, please still apply:

• A track record of research in immunology, oncology, or neuroscience.
• Experience with one or more modern spatial biology technologies including but not limited to: In situ hybridisation (RNAscope /FL/HiPlex assay or similar), fluorescence cyclic Imaging technologies (Leica Cell Dive, Lunaphore COMET or similar), Spatial transcriptomics (10X Xenium/ Visium or similar), widefield brightfield and fluorescence imaging automation, confocal microscopy.
• Strong p