Investigator (Cell Biology)

Job description

Your Responsibilities :
The newly formed Novel Human Genetics research unit at GSK comprises a multidisciplinary team that utilises deep scientific knowledge and technical capabilities to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and undertake drug discovery efforts from early stage discovery through to phase 1 clinical trials.

An exciting opportunity is available for a highly motivated scientist to fill a cell biologist position within Novel Human Genetics Research Unit, Stevenage. You will be responsible for the conceptual design and lab-based execution of in vitro experiments for target identification and validation, quantitative pharmacology experiments and mechanism of action studies to support pipeline projects. You will be responsible for integrating analyses and interpret the output of these studies. You will work on projects across multiple therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, immune / autoinflammatory disease and fibrosis, and will be a go-to person for cell biology expertise, including primary cells and complex cellular assay systems.

You will focus on designing and executing key decision-making studies in a timely and efficient manner, whilst maintaining the highest scientific standards and compliance. You will need a strong background in multiple cellular assay systems, in preparation of various cells from blood and human and animal tissue samples and in optimising cell preparation methods. Experience in gene engineering and / or stem cell differentiation would be an advantage. In addition, you should have a good understanding of target validation and expertise in identifying key risks of a target; and in defining an experimental plan to de-risk targets and drive to scientific go / no-go decisions including on key biology, mechanism of action and tractability considerations. In order to execute target validation and early drug discovery you will be required to be a good communicator to motivate and set the vision for an early project team, and to secure stakeholder support for project plans. This role would suit a candidate with the aspiration to continue lab-based contribution whilst developing additional capabilities in leading matrix teams in the early drug discovery / target validation phase.

Key Responsibilities:
• Design and implement in vitro studies, employing a variety of cellular models and readouts.
• Apply these to support target discovery and validation efforts, and quantitative pharmacology experiments to understand biological mechanism of action.
• Recognised expert in cellular pharmacology and cellular assay systems including primary cells, and complex and engineered cells.
• Work in a matrix team environment to enable delivery of project and department objectives to the highest possible scientific standards.
• Ensure compliance with all GSK R&D data integrity practices, ethics codes, standards and training, and safety.

When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the on-line application to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above.

The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

Closing date for applications: COB – 3rd of July 2019

During the course of your application you will be requested to complete voluntary information which will be used in monitoring the effectiveness of our equality and diversity policies. Your information will be treated as confidential and will not be used in any part of the selection process.

If you require a reasonable adjustment to the application / selection process to enable you to demonstrate your ability to perform the job requirements, please contact 0808 234 4391. This will help us to understand any modifications we may need to make to support you throughout our selection process.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.

*LI-GSK

Why You?

Basic qualifications:
• PhD or equivalent experience in in vitro cellular experiments.
• Demonstrated expertise across a broad range of cellular assay systems, including primary cells and engineered cell lines.
• Demonstrated expertise in isolation of cells from blood and tissue samples.
• Experience in a broad range of cell biology techniques including culture, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, proliferation and viability assays, transfection / transduction and RNAi.
• Excellent attention to detail in method development and data analysis.
• Ability to formulate and communicate a coherent vision/research plan.
• Strong enterprise behavior working within multidisciplinary teams with demonstrated experience in effective communications and presentations in matrix team environment.
• Enabling, can do approach.
• Excellent team-working, interpersonal and communication skills. Collaborative, influential in cross-functional teams.
• Highly committed, enthusiastic, self-motivated with a passion for learning and a strong focus on personal development.

Preferred qualifications:
• Experience leading a matrix teams.
• Experience in genetic engineering of cells, including Crispr.
• Experience in differentiation of stem cells.

Why GSK? :
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company that combines both individual talent and technical resources to create a platform for the delivery for strong growth in a rapidly changing healthcare market. Our mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

Contact information:
You may apply for this position online by selecting the Apply now button.

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

jobDetails