Senior Principal Scientist (Antibody Protein Expressions)

The posting

Location: Stevenage (UK)

Please Note: This role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge, UK. The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge UK, in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.

Large Molecule Research is a department within GSK’s Research Technologies group, part of a state-of-the-art and world-leading R&D Facility. The department is dedicated to the discovery of novel and effective biopharmaceutical medicines. We comprise a number of complementary functions focused on the progression of a portfolio of biopharmaceuticals from initial antibody/protein discovery, expression and characterisation to molecular engineering, biological and physiochemical profiling.

The Antibody Protein Expressions team are accountable for the V-gene cloning, and expression of panels of antibody molecules from early Hit-Panels through to optimised panels of engineered molecules for developability profiling prior to candidate selection.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic and self-motivated lab-based scientist to join us in creating the medicines of the future. This role would suit an inquisitive scientist experienced in mammalian cell expression, molecular biology and protein biochemistry. You will be actively involved in the use of novel automation solutions, so experience with and enthusiasm for the use of automation would be an advantage.

The post-holder will line manage a sub-team of scientists, working within the scientific direction set by the Team Leader. The post-holder will support team members to ensure the delivery of high-quality protein to programme teams.

Key Responsibilities:

· Ensure timely delivery of high-quality, well-characterised protein to programme teams

· Represent the Antibody Protein Expression team within matrix groups working towards developing therapeutic antibodies to a variety of targets across a broad spectrum of diseases

· Prepare and deliver verbal and written scientific communications, requiring good organisation as well as a broader scientific knowledge.

· Line manage a sub-team of scientists, taking responsibility for their day-to-day management, wellbeing and development.

· Proactively manage the performance of line reports

· Support career development through development plans, coaching and mentoring, building technical depth and a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration and inclusion.

· Plan and allocate resource within the sub-team and contribute to team-level resource planning.

· Uphold high standards of data integrity, laboratory safety, biosafety and compliance.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

· PhD (or equivalent) in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline.

· Extensive experience in recombinant antibody or complex protein expression in mammalian systems within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.

· In-depth molecular biology expertise, including gene and vector design, cloning, construct engineering and sequence optimisation, alongside deep knowledge of transfection, cell culture, protein purification (e.g. Protein A, SEC, IEX) and analytical characterisation (e.g. SDS-PAGE, LC-MS, HPLC, CGE).

· Experience of leading scientific projects, with demonstrated ability to line manage and develop scientists.

· Experience using data systems to navigate complex data sets, perform analyses and interpret as appropriate.

· Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex science to varied audiences.

· Collaborative, inclusive leadership style, with the confidence to hold constructive performance conversations and a commitment to developing others.

· Sound judgement, resilience and agility in a fast-moving, portfolio-driven environment.

· Curiosity and a drive for continuous improvement, with a genuine interest in applying automation and AI to scientific workflows.

Desirable Experience:

· Experience or knowledge of multi-specific and non-standard antibody formats, Fc-engineered molecules or antibody-drug conjugate precursors.

· Hands-on experience of laboratory automation, high-throughput expression and AI, machine-learning or data-science tools to guide design.

· A record of publications, patents or invited presentations.

Skills

Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Influencing Without Authority, Interpersonal Communication, Life Science, Market Opportunities, Matrix Leadership, Molecular Biology, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

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