Principal Scientist Nucleic Acid Sequencing Technologies

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 Principal 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 Principal 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, full length, 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:

Deliver expectations for the following missions:

• 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 mRNA identity, purity, integrity 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 mRNA identity, purity, integrity and content analyses.

• Analyze mRNA sequencing data, generate actionable insights, and communicate findings in written and oral presentations to internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Excel in delivering quality data and sound science to drive decisions for new vaccine candidate projects, as part of end-to-end accelerated vaccine CMC development programs.

Scientific leadership:

• Coach, mentor team members to promote and maintain excellence, and to create a high performing team delivering quality data to drive key decisions for the fast advancement of new mRNA technologies.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior scientists, ensuring the team stays current with advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools

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 8+ years in analytical sciences in the vaccine field.

• Experience developing and implementing strategies with measurable outcomes.

• Specific knowledge (mandatory): deep knowledge and routine use of at least one of the state-of-the-art Next Generation Sequencing technologies (Oxford Nanopore Technologies mandatory)

• Proven expertise in bioinformatics pipeline developing, optimization and validation.

• 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

#Li-GSK

If you have a disability and require assistance during the course of the selection process, you will have the opportunity to let us know what specific assistance you require in order to make suitable arrangements.

Why GSK?

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

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

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