Scientific Investigator

---

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, energetic and experienced scientist with lab level expertise in molecular and cellular biology and with broad knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to join the GSK Novel Human Genetic Research Unit (NHG-RU) based in Collegeville, PA. Our group is responsible for developing innovative therapeutic agents based on strong genetics-based drug targets, starting with target validation, screening and optimizing towards clinical candidate selection, and progressing to first time in human (FTIH) studies. The Research Unit has an impactful portfolio of projects across several therapeutic areas. This role will have a focus on kidney disease to develop and support programs with small molecule and monoclonal antibody modalities for the treatment of CKD. In this laboratory-based position, you will support therapeutic research with a focus on validating and prosecuting several new and exciting targets for the treatment of CKD. You will also be involved in interactions with internal and external experts to interrogate new genetic data for additional novel target discovery for kidney diseases. The successful candidate is expected to have a good grasp of molecular and cellular biology concept and techniques , robust knowledge of CKD biology/pathophysiology (including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and broader glomeruli/tubular diseases), strong communication skills across the matrix of internal stakeholders and wider scientific community, and ability to mentor junior scientists. This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career. Responsibilities include some of the following: Key accountabilities: Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experimental research plans to evaluate targets for kidney diseases and to discover new therapeutics through bioactivity, mechanism-of-action, and target engagement studies. Develop assays and implement new technologies to enable the delivery of experimental objectives and to expand the technical capabilities of the Research Unit. Record and interpret experimental data, and present results to project team members and the NHG-RU leadership. Collaborate with scientists from other GSK R&D functions and external parties to deliver scientific evidence to enable robust decision-making by project teams. Comply with GSK's standards and practices for data integrity, ethics, and safety. Why you? Basic Qualifications include: Ph.D in Cellular and Molecular Biology, or Life Sciences with minimum 2 years post-PhD experience. Candidates with a Master's degree in Cellular and Molecular biology with over five years of research experience in academia/industry and demonstrated ability to execute innovative research activities will also be considered. 2 years experience with in vitro / cell culture study experience as well as knowledgeable in in vivo studies. Scientific innovation as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations or patents. 2 years experience in kidney disease research, including knowledge of CKD pathophysiology and key mechanisms of disease etiology for CKD, DKD, and PKD as well as practical experience in kidney-related cell culture, tissue harvesting and analysis, and signaling pathway assays / analysis (e.g. fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis) . Preferred Qualifications (having the following skills would be considered a plus): Ability to design, prosecute and interpret experimental studies independently. Hands-on experience in current molecular biology techniques (e.g. mRNA/protein isolation, qPCR, ELISA, Western, transfection and application of siRNA/anti-sense oligos). Expertise in assay development, validation and ability to trouble shooting issues related to assay validation. Experience working directly with mechanisms involved in CKD, PKD and DKD including complex in vitro disease models and in vivo models of disease progression. Experience of evaluating small molecule or mAb in in vitro and in vivo kidney disease models. Broader prior experience of selecting and validating drug targets will also be a plus. Working in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across organizational boundaries. Flexibility, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects to meet timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high-performance standards. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the capability to present data to multi-disciplinary audiences. Excellent record keeping and organizational skills. Strong understanding of small- and/or large-molecule drug discovery. Why GSK? Our values and expectations are at the heart of everything we do and form an important part of our culture. These include Patient focus, Transparency, Respect, Integrity along with Courage, Accountability, Development, and Teamwork. As GSK focuses on our values and expectations and a culture of innovation, performance, and trust, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities: Operating at pace and agile decision-making - using evidence and applying judgement to balance pace, rigor and risk. Committed to delivering high quality results, overcoming challenges, focusing on what matters and executing. Continuously looking for opportunities to learn, build skills and share learning. Sustaining energy and well-being. Building strong relationships and collaboration as well as honest and open conversations. Budgeting and cost-consciousness. If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the GSK Service Centre at 1- (US Toll Free) or 1 (outside US). GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in the US, we adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class. At GSK, the health and safety of our employees are of paramount importance. As a science-led healthcare company on a mission to get ahead of disease together, we believe that supporting vaccination against COVID-19 is the single best thing we can do in the US to ensure the health and safety of our employees, complementary workers, workplaces, customers, consumers, communities, and the patients we serve. GSK has made the decision to require all US employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, where allowed by state or local law and where vaccine supply is readily available. The only exceptions to this requirement are employees who are approved for an accommodation for religious, medical or disability-related reasons. 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. Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK's compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit GSK's Transparency Reporting For the Record site.