Principal Scientist, Neurology Full-time

Principal Scientist, Neurology

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. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people's lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients' needs and have the highest probability of success.

Job Purpose:

We are seeking applications from a talented and driven Principal Scientist, Neurology to join our Respiratory Immunology Inflammatory Research Unit (RIIRU) at GSK's Upper Providence research facility in the United States. The mission for RIIRU is to target diseases by harnessing the power of the immune system. The ideal candidate will work within a dynamic team to support research in neurodegenerative diseases (ND) such as AD, PD, and ALS.

This full-time, lab-based position requires a PhD and at least three years of postdoctoral or industry experience with a passion for science and drug development. Candidates should possess deep understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration and proven track record in this field with high impact publications. This role requires demonstration of ability to independently formulate target hypothesis, validation strategy, and the execution of experiments in a fast-paced environment. Critical interpretation of results and recommendation of alternative strategies for project teams is part of the core responsibility of this role. Ideal candidates must also demonstrate the ability to build internal/external networks, influence project direction, and progress collaborations with academic and contract research organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will:

• Support discovery projects by establishing and performing in vitro iPSC derived CNS cells/ ex vivo cellular assays using high-content imaging, molecular and biochemical readouts.
• Develop novel assays with high translational value to interrogate target or disease biology
• Develop target and biomarker hypothesis based on Omics data
• Optimize and perform in vitro assays to support lead optimization of molecules
• Work collaboratively with matrix partners to drive towards project milestone
• Periodically update work status to project teams and matrix partners
• Manage time efficiently and be productive when there are competing priorities
• Be compliant with GSK policies and SOPs including recording electronic laboratory notebooks, maintaining safety while working in the lab.

Basic Qualifications

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

• PhD with 3+ years of postdoctoral experience in Neuroscience/Neurodegeneration
• Experience with aseptic cell culture techniques especially for long term culture without antibiotics
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques such as immunofluorescence assay, plate- or bead-based immunoassay, molecular biology techniques such as western, qPCR, transfection, or high content imaging etc.
• Experience in developing assays based on target mechanisms/ biology in the context of neurodegeneration
• Experience with AI/ML tools for discovery research

Preferred Qualifications

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

• 3+ years' industry experience working in matrix environment
• Working experience with iPSC derived neurons/ astrocytes/ microglia for disease modeling
• Familiarity with different screening platforms used in drug discovery
• Basic hands on bioinformatic skills
• Effective communication skills and being proactive at work.

This position requires on-site attendance five days per week at our Upper Providence office