Senior Scientist, Neuroscience

The Scientists in the Novel Human Genetics Research Unit support the design and execution of scientific studies for the delivery of new medicines to treat neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and ALS. We require a scientist to employ cell models and genetic and chemical tools to identify new drug targets and to drive a drug discovery strategy.

This position will be laboratory based. The successful candidate will focus on early stage discovery research and have an opportunity to grow into drug discovery and biomarker assay development by learning through experience for career advancement. This role is ideal for an scientist who is eager to learn and be proficient in basic molecular biology, signaling cascades and the development and implementation of cell-based models or chemical biology methods to study neurodegeneration.

Desirable experience includes culturing of iPSC derived neurons, astrocytes and co-cultures; primary rodent neuron cultures; viral expression of transgenes; protein/protein interactions; and employing new chemical biology methods in vitro to study molecular interactomes.

Key Accountabilities:

• Establish and validate in vitro cellular models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation using human iPSC-derived and/or primary rodent neuronal co-cultures
  
• Define, design, and perform experiments using in vitro cellular models to evaluate molecules and or genetic manipulation (e.g., CRISPR, shRNA) to validate drug discovery targets and/or progress lead optimization projects
  
• Conduct cellular experiments characterizing effects with an array of in vitro techniques that may include immunoassays, omics profiling, gene editing, viral induction, cellular phenotyping.
  
• Execute laboratory experiments, conduct statistically supported data analysis, and deliver high-quality results in a timely manner to enable informed decision making
  
• Clearly communicate study results and impact in written form and at internal and external meetings.
  
• Commit to continual improvement by reading and applying the latest scientific literature, methodologies and technologies.
  
• Comply with all standards and practices of data integrity, ethics, and safety.
  
• Model GSK's values of patient-focus, respect, transparency, and integrity
  

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

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

• Master of Science (Biology, Neuroscience, or related field) with 5 years of relevant research or Ph.D.
  
• Prior working experience with neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Parkinson's disease).
  
• Experience with cell and molecular biology technical capabilities including in vitro neuronal culture, neuroinflammation, and/or innate immune cellular models
  

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Functional assay development interrogating defects in endocytosis, lysosomal and mitochondrial function
  
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
  

About NHG RU:

The Novel Human Genetics Research Unit (NHG RU) was formed in 2019 to identify and advance novel targets with genetic association to disease based on the foundational observation that targets with human genetic evidence supporting their causal role in the intended indication improves clinical success by two-fold. The NHG RU is therapeutically broad and complements other research units with strategic focus in immunology and oncology. The current portfolio includes projects focused on neurological diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, Pain, in addition to metabolic diseases. The mandate of NHG RU is to identify novel targets based on human genetics, develop assets for clinical studies, and perform Phase 1 first time in human and proof of mechanism studies in clinic. This goal is enabled through strategic external (23andMe, UK Biobank, FinnGen, Laboratory of Genomic Research, Public-Private Consortia) and GSK-internal partnerships (Functional Genomics, AI/ML, and Medicinal Science and Technologies).

Why GSK?

Our values and expectationsare 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, rigour and risk.
• Committed to delivering high quality results, overcoming challenges, focusing on what matters, execution.
• Continuously looking for opportunities to learn, build skills and share learning.
• Sustaining energy and well-being.
• Building strong relationships and collaboration, honest and open conversations.
• Budgeting and cost-consciousness.

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