Sr. Principal Scientist, Neurodegeneration

GSK•Upper Providence Township, PA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented scientific laboratory leader with a strong background in neuroscience to join our growing Respiratory Immunology Inflammatory Research Unit (RIIRU) at GSK's Upper Providence research facility in the United States. The mission for RIIRU is to target diseases by harnessing the power of the immune system. The ideal candidate will work within a dynamic team to support research in neurodegenerative diseases (ND) such as AD, PD, and ALS. This full-time position requires a PhD with at least five years of industry experience with a passion for science and drug development. Candidates should possess deep understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and proven track record in this field with high impact publications and leading biology studies in early-stage drug discovery projects. This role requires demonstration of ability to independently formulate target hypothesis, validation strategy, and the execution of experiments in a fast-paced environment. Critical interpretation of results and recommendation of alternative strategies for project teams is part of the core responsibility of this role. Ideal candidates must also demonstrate the ability to build internal/external networks, influence project direction, and progress collaborations with academic and contract research organizations.

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, preferably in Alzheimer’s disease with 5+ years drug discovery experience in industry
Three or more years of experience in leading biology studies in early-stage drug discovery projects
Three or more years of experience in protein isolation from iPS derived cells, human brain/biofluid samples, and characterization using biochemical and mass spectrometric methods
8+ years’ experience working with iPSC derived CNS cells and standard laboratory techniques such as cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry
5+ years’ experience in developing assays to investigate target mechanisms/ biology preferably in Alzheimer’s disease using iPSC derived cells in 2D- configuration
3+ years’ experience in using AI/ML tools to develop biological/mechanistic hypothesis using omic datasets

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in conceptualizing, designing and developing complex assays utilizing different cellular models including primary and hiPSC-derived cells (neuron/microglia/astrocytes)
5+ years deep multidisciplinary expertise in biological mass spectrometry, quantitative proteomics including isotope labeling (SILAC) and label-free techniques and targeted proteomics workflow
5+ year’s experience in deploying cell-based target engagement assays and establishing proximal functional pharmacology
Demonstrated ability to work effortlessly in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team environment
Effective communication skills and being proactive at work.

Responsibilities

Lead biology studies both from/off-bench to support discovery projects by developing target – disease biology hypothesis, establishing and performing in vitro iPSC derived CNS cells/ ex vivo cellular assays primarily using biochemistry expertise combined with molecular and cell biology.
Develop novel assays with high translational value to interrogate target or disease biology
Develop testable target and biomarker hypothesis based on Omics data
Optimize and perform in vitro assays to support lead optimization of molecules
Work collaboratively with matrix partners to lead workstreams towards project milestone
Periodically update work status to project teams, matrix partners, and senior stakeholders
Manage time efficiently and be productive when there are competing priorities
Be compliant with GSK policies and SOPs including recording electronic laboratory notebooks, maintaining safety while working in the lab.