Scientist Molecular Analytics Platform DNA/mRNA Next Generation Sequencing Full-time NEW

Scientist Molecular Analytics Platform DNA/mRNA Next Generation Sequencing

Are you looking for a role in Molecular Biology/Nucleic-Acid-based Technologies (NAT) that enhances your scientific expertise and allows you to develop innovative analytical methods thereby contributing to the production of best-in-class medicines, including mRNA-based vaccines? If so, this Scientist role could be an ideal opportunity to explore.

Within the Analytical Development Department, the Molecular Analytics Platform is in charge of developing modern, state-of-the-art molecular methods to detect, quantify and characterize nucleic acids at all stages of vaccines development. The hired Scientist will be in charge of executing, implementing, designing and developing methods for the detection, characterization and quantification of nucleic acids based on up-to-date nucleic acid technologies (NAT) and, in particular, methods aiming at sequencing mRNA vaccine related products using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies (variant calling, integrity, capping, polyA-tail, 3D-structure). The candidate will be in charge of the execution (and the reporting), the design and the development of NAT-based analytical methods to support product and process development, to develop and transfer release methods for GMP testing for Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3, according to Quality by Design principles and in partnership with Technical Research and Development functions, Quality and Regulatory.

Your responsibilities:

Execute mRNA sequencing experiments:

• Work on the bench in the labs (> 60%),
• Plan and execute mRNA sequencing experiments using methods based on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies,
• Execute analytical methods for the characterization of mRNA and plasmid DNA,
• Analyze and interpret data, including reporting and presentation,
• Write scientific reports,
• Ensure that SOP are applied and respected,
• Ensure that security rules are followed,
• Comply with his/her training matrix.

Contribute to method development, qualification and validation:

• Design and drive the development of next generation sequencing analytical methods for next generation mRNA vaccines using innovative NAT-based technologies and automation in collaboration with the other teams of the global analytical platforms,
• In particular, ensure the development, qualification and validation of state-of-the-art analytical sequencing methods for plasmid DNA damage, mRNA identity, integrity, capping, polyA-tail and content based on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies,
• Ensure implementation of QbD (Quality by design) in the development of assays,
• Work closely with the bioinformatician team to develop, adapt and validate bioinformatics workflows for plasmid DNA damage, mRNA identity, integrity, capping, polyA-tail and content analyses,
• Analyze mRNA sequencing data, generate actionable insights, and communicate findings in written and oral presentations to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Act as a key subject matter expert:

• Think out-of-the-box, using sound science, paying attention to details to continuously improve and shape the CMC strategy & framework,
• Act as a voice and ambassador of its department at various internal and external governance bodies and meetings.

Collaborate across teams:

• Interact with Belgium- and US-based team members,
• Interact and act in a complex matrix with several stakeholders from different departments (Research, Development, QC, RA, QA),
• Interact with other GSK Vaccines Research and Development Centers (US and IT) and external partners.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

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

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering or a related scientific field with an additional 3+ years of post-doc experience in the field,
• Total education and experience of 5+ years in analytical sciences in the vaccine field,
• Experience developing and implementing strategies with measurable outcomes,
• Required expertise:

• Demonstrated expert knowledge (theoretical, practical and troubleshooting) and daily execution of state-of-the-art next generation/high throughput sequencing technologies (e.g., Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies),
• Demonstrated knowledge of the synthesis, structure, stability, degradation, chemical modifications and analysis of nucleic acids. In particular, demonstrated knowledge and understanding of plasmid DNA/mRNA structure, plasmid DNA damage, mRNA degradation, mRNA- and plasmid DNA-modifying enzymes, adaptor/oligonucleotide design and ligation, sequencing library design, and use of sequencing technologies beyond simple sequencing of nucleic acids (i.e., specialized library preparations)
• Demonstrated expertise in running bioinformatics pipeline is a plus,
• Fluency in English,
• Good organizational skills,
• Teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• A good understanding of biopharma / vaccine development process,
• Good understanding of QbD principles. Driven by excellence, creativity, accountability, and flexibility in a collaborative and innovative environment,
• Capacity to synthesize messages and ability to defend scientific and technical decisions to have constructive interactions and allow to take the right decisions,
• Must have the ability to work with cross-functional teams,
• Superlative presentation skills, across lines and levels and with senior stakeholders,
• Problem-solving ability with limited information available to make decisions and interpretations,
• Positive, open and can-do mindset,
• Critical thinking ability is a must,
• GMP basics is a plus.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Laboratory, Analytical Thinking, Bioprocessing, Data Analysis Tools, Laboratory Reports, Method Development, Technical Problem-Solving

Belgium Salary Range / Fourchette salariale – Belgique: EUR 59,400 to EUR 99,000