Principal Scientist, Lead Panel Developability Profiling

Job Title: Principal Scientist, Lead Panel Developability Profiling

Large Molecule Research is a department within GSK’s Research Technologies group, part of a state-of-the-art and world-leading R&D Facility. The department is dedicated to the discovery of novel and effective biopharmaceutical medicines. We comprise a number of complementary functions focused on the progression of a portfolio of biopharmaceuticals from initial antibody/protein discovery, expression and characterisation to molecular engineering, biological and physiochemical profiling. Within the Large Molecule Discovery Unit, the Molecular Design and Engineering (MDE) group takes accountability for antibody engineering and developability profiling prior to candidate selection to continuously improve molecule quality and transform discovered leads into potential therapeutics. 

In LMR, we are transforming biologics discovery through MADISON, our next-generation AI-enabled molecular design and optimization platform. As computational design, multi-parameter optimization, and novel biologic formats become increasingly embedded within our discovery process, developability can no longer be viewed solely as a downstream screening activity. Instead, it must become a strategic capability that actively guides molecule design, selection, and optimization from the earliest stages. 

We are seeking a visionary Principal Scientist in Developability Profiling to define and lead this transformation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of developability science at GSK, driving the integration of experimental and computational approaches that will accelerate the delivery of highly developable, manufacturable, and formulation-ready biologics to patients. The candidate will have expertise in developability assessments across a range of biophysical methods and a deep understanding of the relationship between early profiling in discovery and later-stage manufacturing challenges. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Delivering impact on GSK portfolio projects by planning and executing experiments to characterise proteins using biophysical methods, such as SEC, DLS, DSF, SPR and interpreting the data in the context of downstream CMC risk.
• Driving the evolution of Lead Panel Developability (LPD) profiling from a screening activity into a strategic capability that guides molecule design from the earliest stages.
• Defining and mitigating risks associated with AI-designed molecules.
• Redesigning the experimental LPD workflow to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose for increasingly diverse and computationally generated molecule panels, including multi-specifics and protein-conjugates.
• Providing scientific leadership required to define future-state strategy, defining the roadmap from today's screening paradigm to predictive developability-by-design, and evolving both the computational and experimental developability capabilities needed to support MADISON 
  

Basic Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. Degree, or equivalent experience, in biochemistry, biophysics or a related scientific discipline. 
• Deep understanding of biologics developability with relevant industry experience in biologics developability assessment, protein engineering, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization techniques including Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and related automation. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex scientific programs and influence strategic direction across multidisciplinary teams. 
• Strong scientific communication skills with a track record of presenting recommendations and influencing senior stakeholders
• Experience generating, curating, or leveraging large scientific datasets for modelling or decision-making. 
  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in machine learning (ML), predictive modelling, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drug discovery or data-driven developability assessment. 
• Familiarity with key CMC/manufacturing challenges and their relationship to molecule properties.
  
  

Working Arrangements: 

• This role is based on-site at Stevenage, UK. Hybrid or remote working is not available. 
• This role is currently based in Stevenage, with a planned future relocation to Cambridge. Candidates should be aware that the successful applicant will be expected to accept and accommodate this future location change.

Skills

Biopharmaceuticals, Bioprocessing, Cell Line Development, Drug Development, Experimental Methods, Molecular Cell Biology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Quality by Design, Regulatory Submissions, Simulation Models, Technical Writing, Technology Transfer

 

 

Why GSK?

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

 

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases – to impact health at scale.

 

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

 

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

 

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.

 

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com where you can also request a call.

 

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a  Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

 

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