Principal Scientist, Virology

Principal Scientist, GSK Vaccines – Virology

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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. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease.

We believe the Greater Boston area is an important hub for the biotech and pharma industry, which is why we’ve invested in growing our footprint and expanding our R&D space in Cambridge, with a primary focus on additional state-of-the-art lab space. Here, we will bring together talent and expertise, building upon GSK’s long history of vaccine development, to create globally leading viral capabilities and cutting-edge vaccines technologies, as we add to our robust portfolio targeting infectious diseases at every stage of life.

As a Principal Scientist, you will be expected to be able to use your knowledge of virology and molecular biology to independently design and execute experiments with guidance from the lab head and project teams. You must be self-motivated to deliver vaccine program objectives on time and be able to identify and mitigate any potential delays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply virology and molecular biology expertise to the design and development of GSK vaccine projects
• Perform multiple immunology assays including FACS and ligand-based assays
• Implementation of new technologies to help drive vaccine development
• Provide scientific expertise in the areas of virus latency and reactivation and development of assays to evaluate those phases
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership with an enterprise mindset, ensuring support to professional development and qualification of staff
• Possesses strong scientific leadership to enable collaboration with key scientific internal and external stakeholders.
• Publish in peer reviewed journals
• Supervise students and junior lab personnel as needed

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD degree in life sciences with at least 3 years of experience in a related biotechnology field or a Masters degree with at least 5 years of experience in a related biotechnology field
• Three or more years of experience in virology, preferably with experience with multiple viruses and those that undergo latent and reactivation phases
• Three or more years of experience with a wide array of molecular biology and immunology techniques, including FACS and ligand-based assays

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience with one or more of the following:

• Quantitative viral outgrowth assays
• Virus reverse genetics systems
• Biosafety Level 2+ experience
• Involvement in or collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry
• Working with large project teams in a matrix environment.
• Excellent communication abilities to effectively articulate complex scientific data
• Basic skills in statistical analysis
• Fluency in spoken and written English

To be successful in the role, this person must:

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge in immunology and cellular biology as it applies to vaccines or related field
• Have practical knowledge in a wide variety of immunology techniques, cell culture, and working with human biological samples
• Demonstrate willingness to spend ~75% of one’s time in the research laboratory
• Have the ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data to determine next steps
• Be a self-starter able to handle multiple projects concurrently
• Possess a good balance of creativity and analytical thinking faculties.
• Display an ability to be productive and successful in an intense work environment.
• Work effectively and cheerfully as a Team Player

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• If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $113,025 to $188,375. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and