October 17, 2024

GSK

Rixensart

Principal Scientist Preclinical RD - Biophysics and Structural Bioinformatics

Site Name: Belgium-Rixensart
Posted Date: Oct 17 2024
Job Purpose
Current developments in structural biology and related disciplines herald an exciting time in vaccine development. Technological advances enable us to identify antigen epitopes in detail, map these onto high resolution structures and apply this knowledge for structure based rational protein design. In this role, you will harness the combined power of state-of-the-art structural biology and in silico protein design tools to generate best-in-class vaccine antigens by leveraging GSK’s Global R&D organization capabilities.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific responsibilities

Responsible for the conception, design, implementation, and interpretation of scientific research experiments in support of antigen structural characterization and vaccine development with emphasis on integrating a suite of biophysical approaches
Contribute to Vaccine Ag candidate improvement with the particular focus on translating structure-function relationships into design approaches
Contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies in the area of protein biophysics
Contribute to Vx candidate design and Bioinformatic team alignment and maintenance of state of the art bioinformatics tools for Vaccine protein design
Share expertise in multiple technical competency domains across the Belgium preclinical department and possibly across Scientific areas; continuous follow-up of key developments in own competency domain.
Can advise discovery project and vaccine development leaders on scientific issues related to their projects
Active participation and presentation of lab results in internal meetings, working groups and technical and project team meetings, ensuring quality interpretation and extensive quality check of raw data
Can be the principal author of publications submitted to peer review journals
Significant contribution (autonomous writing & review) to and direct interactions with the Regulatory/IP teams for the preparation of the preclinical section of Regulatory/IP documents, in own area of technical expertise.

Managerial responsibilities

Ensure the adequate and timely translation of project milestones into laboratory activities
May coordinate a team of scientist(s) and/or technician(s) involved in the completion of scientific experiment in scope of several projects; can supervise collaborative research studies with third parties but also Ph D students or postdoc
Ensure highest ethical standards, good scientific practices & data integrity are implemented in daily scientific activities,
Ensure timely data collection, & reporting (including participation to internal/external scientific documents) in area of responsibility
Demonstrates knowledge of the key research activities and good lab practices
Takes appropriate actions to resolve issues in area of responsibility affecting research strategy and progress

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

Knowledge/ Education / Previous Experience Required

Ph D in Life Sciences with 3+ years of postdoctoral and/or job-related experience, or equivalent acquired through professional experience
Wide expertise in Protein Biophysics with a broad understanding of protein structure (e.g. X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, structural mass spectrometry, single molecule dynamics) and biophysical characterization (protein-protein interaction, protein stability) AND/OR structure-based rational design (Alphafold, Rosetta Suite, MOE, Pymol, Phylogeny analysis, …); willingness to become proficient in both
Additional experience in vaccine product development and/or recombinant protein expression and/or immunology and/or microbiology is an asset.

Job-Related Experience

Demonstrated ability to lead a research or development project within the area of expertise.
Experience in managing scientific team
Capability to lead projects and implement strategies within a complex matrix organization

Preferred Qualifications:

Understand & implement processes specific to the vaccine R&D and to GSK with minimal bureaucracy and a focus on efficiency
Understands function operating procedures and/or internal policies required to maintain quality standards and to protect GSK intellectual property
Fluent in English, oral and writing, French is an asset
Good communication skills, oral and writing
Ability to present scientific data in front of large audience
Good project scientific/technical strategy skills

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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