Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Dec 10 2024
Senior Scientist
As a Senior Scientist in the Complex Models group within the Respiratory & Immunology Biology Unit (RIBU), you will contribute to the planning, conduct, and reporting of preclinical in vivo experiments to support drug discovery projects, including potential support for clinical programs. You will have the chance to work on targets and pathways relevant to a range of human diseases.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
* Contribute to the planning, implementation, and reporting of preclinical efficacy, and mechanistic in vivo studies to enable PK/PD using robust study design principles in accordance with GSK and UK Home Office regulations.
* Understand and apply robust study design principles and gain input from subject matter experts, biology leaders, and project leaders prior to seeking endorsement/ recommendations for animal studies at Independent Scientific Review forum and Pre-study Briefing.
* Support sample acquisition, processing, and analysis to enable integration of PK/PD data from animal models and ex vivo assays.
* Responsible for maintaining technical expertise in rodent handling, dosing, blood and tissue collection, and measurements of biological/ physiological function as an experienced Home Office Personal Licence and training new licence holders to achieve competency in these techniques.
* Assume responsibility for animals on which you perform licensed procedures, ensuring personal authority and competency in the relevant techniques.
* Be familiar with severity limits/constraints upon adverse effects and respond as required under ASPA and GSK Policy on Care, Welfare and Treatment of Animals.
* Be accountable for and apply appropriate levels of checks and examinations to adequately assess and record animal health and welfare and act on findings by applying corrective measures and reporting to responsible individuals e.g. NVS, NACWO, PPL Holder.
* Be accountable for actively managing colonies of genetically altered animals in accordance with project needs.
* Conduct pre-study planning and study set up and have a good understanding of the scientific rationale for using animals to address project objectives aligned to the translational pillars.
* Conduct post-study reviews and discussions of studies including in vivo team, project team, and/or matrix partners.
* Work effectively with internal matrix partners (e.g. LASG) and contribute to external study planning and oversight (CRO, academic groups), including Study Monitoring responsibilities. Present scientific ideas and findings, both verbally and in written form to internal teams.
* Maintain accurate and detailed electronic laboratory records in alignment with data integrity standards and ensure compliance with all relevant SOPs and Risk Assessments and safety guidelines.
Why you?
Qualifications & Skills:
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:
* BSc in a biological science or equivalent experience in a drug discovery environment.
* Knowledge of animal model systems in at least one of the following areas: respiratory, immunology, renal, pain or immuno-neurodegeneration.
* Understanding of disease mechanisms and/ or immune pathways and/ or have the learning agility and ability to develop this knowledge.
* Knowledge of robust study design principles and experience of critiquing protocols.
* Extensive experience of rodent handling, dosing, tissue necropsy, and blood sampling as Lead Licensee and Study Director, including familiarity of IT systems to maintain accurate records, e.g.: Tick@Lab, eLN.
* Thorough understanding of animal welfare and 3Rs within the context of the Project Licences and use of this knowledge to balance study design to achieve scientific objectives.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:
* Demonstrates problem-solving skills during planning and in-life phase and has the ability or learning agility to critically analyse in vivo data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
* Can work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
* Ability to contribute to the oversight of external animal studies conducted by CRO or academic groups.
* Demonstrates resourcefulness to adopt/ utilise innovative technologies, tools, reagents, model systems, and research capabilities.
* Awareness of scientific literature to refine and optimise in vivo models.
* Demonstrates flexibility to manage multiple studies and distinct phases of experimental conduct.
Closing Date for Applications: 5th January 2025
Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.
When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.
At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next 10 years. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease.
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.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, 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.
We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.
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