Principal Scientist, Target Validation and MoA

We are seeking a highly motivated enthusiastic and skilled cell biologist to join our group within the Human Biology department at our UK Research Hub.

This laboratory-based role is critical to advancing our early target discovery efforts through the development and application of physiologically relevant in vitro models that mimic complex disease biology.

The successful candidate will leverage cutting-edge technologies including primary human cells 3D cell culture gene editing and mechanistic phenotypic assays to drive target validation efforts in areas of high unmet medical need. Working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment you will generate impactful insights that inform and accelerate therapeutic discovery and development.

We create a place where people can grow be their best be safe and feel welcome valued and included. We offer a competitive salary an annual bonus based on company performance healthcare and wellbeing programmes pension plan membership and shares and savings programme.

Discover more about our company wide benefits and life at GSK on our webpage Life at GSK GSK

In this role you will:

• Integrate multi-parametric biological endpoints to give insight on mechanism of action aligning targets with disease relevant indications through enhanced mechanistic understanding.
• Lead the design and execution of experiments involving primary human cells and iPSC derived cell models to support target validation and mechanism of action studies.
• Apply CRISPR-based gene editing molecular biology and imaging techniques to interrogate gene function in disease contexts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal partners in human genetics computational biology AI/ML automation and disease areas.
• Maintain excellent experimental records according to GSK compliance.
• Communicate experimental findings effectively (in written and verbal formats) in internal and external scientific forums.

Why you

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

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

• PhD (or equivalent) in Cell Biology or related life sciences field with a minimum of three years of research experience in a postdoctoral or industry setting.
• Publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated experience of assay development utilising multiple cellular technologies (e.g. Cell culture immunofluorescence flow cytometry ELISA confocal imaging).
• Hands-on experience with advanced cellular models such as primary cell cultures iPSC cells co-cultures and 3D cell systems.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

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

• Deep knowledge of how fibrosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of disease indications in the lung liver and kidney.
• Knowledge of the biology underlying respiratory pathologies.
• Familiarity with functional genomics chemogenomics transcriptomics proteomics and/or high-content imaging technologies.
• Self-motivated with an insatiable appetite for learning.
• Embodies a positive-mindset and team mentality.
• Quick learner who is driven to deliver impact.
• Strong scientific leadership as well as excellent written and oral communication.

Closing Date for Applications: 14th November 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 by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform peoples lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients accountable for impact and committed to doing the right thing making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients needs and have the highest probability of success. Were uniting science technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

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Our approach to R&D

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 were 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.

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