Principal Scientist (Externalization Lead)

GSK is seeking a proactive chemist to join Drug Substance Development externalization team at our US R&D Hub located in Upper Providence, PA. Our Drug Substance Development group supports the small molecule portfolio in GSK Pharma R&D with an inter-disciplinary team of process chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and synthetic biochemists by developing the synthetic routes and associated manufacturing processes that turn those molecules into medicines. Through our network of 86 manufacturing sites, each year we produce nearly 4 billion packs of medicine, and we are committed to widening access to our products so that more people may benefit. A successful applicant will leverage strong synthetic chemistry skills to work with CROs (contract research organizations) to deliver development materials, intermediates and APIs, PRD, and scientific knowledge in support of a variety of projects across the portfolio.

As a member of Drug Substance Development externalization team, you will be expected to manage externalization activities working within a cross-functional team environment of CROs (contract research organizations) and internal team members to ensure successful delivery with regards to process development, technical troubleshooting, quality, compliance, milestone timelines and project budget. It will be an opportunity to demonstrate and hone your leadership, technical and project management skills while developing a wider appreciation of the internal and external business.

Why You?

Success in GSK thrives on strong interpersonal skills and practical chemistry skills combined with a curious, inquisitive nature and a passion for science. You are equally passionate about developing yourself, developing new scientific methodologies, pushing the limits of innovation, and learning something new every day. You are an excellent team player, able to work with others either in the lab or in the office as well as within cross-functional teams. You are independent and able to plan and execute your own workload and deliver results. Your science is conducted with integrity, safety, and the highest standards.  You pride yourself in your chemistry and enjoy science as much as we do.

When submitting your CV/Resume please also include a Research Statement.

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. These responsibilities include some of the following:

• Collaborate and coordinate in cross-functional teams, both internally and at CROs (contract research organizations) to support the early and mid-phase portfolio and facilitate project deliverables.
• Support internal project teams through the quotation process and project initiation.
• Responsible for timely deliveries of drug substance at CROs (contract research organizations) to support IND/IMPD enabling toxicology studies as well as manufacture of phase-appropriate cGMP API to support clinical studies.
• Complete GMP release activities where required.
• Collaborate with internal project teams to provide technical leadership and direction to the work conducted at CROs (contract research organizations) focusing on data rich experimentation and knowledge generation.
• Ensure project deliverables (material, documentation, data, and knowledge) meet quality and timeline expectations.
• Ensure the work conducted by external partners and the group is performed in accordance with GSK and external regulatory and quality standards in the markets of interest and is also conducted in accordance with GSK and local EH&S standards.
• Escalate project specific issues and concerns associated with safety, quality, technical standards as appropriate.

Basic qualifications:

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

• M.S. in organic chemistry with 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry OR Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry with 1+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry

Preferred qualifications

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

• Experience in the areas of multistep synthesis of complex organic molecules, process development, and process characterization
• Scientific record demonstrating excellence in chemistry (e.g., publications, patents, or presentations)
• Experience working in a virtual CMC development with CROs (contract research organizations)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.