Principal Biomarker Scientist

GlaxoSmithKline; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global biopharma company in the UK is seeking a principal scientist for their Cellular Biomarkers team. This role involves generating high-quality data to support studies, handling various sample types, and collaborating with other research teams. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and strong experience in biomarker assay development and validation, specifically in flow cytometry and immunoassay techniques. This lab-based role requires attention to detail and adherence to regulations.

Qualifications

• Strong laboratory experience with various sample types.
• Understanding of biomarker assay development and validation.
• Ability to deliver complex scientific data timely.

Responsibilities

• Generate high quality data supporting studies.
• Act as a contact between laboratories.
• Handle human biological samples according to regulations.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Flow cytometry

Immunoassay

Spatial biology

Education

PhD or equivalent relevant experience

Job description

Site Name: UK - Cambridgeshire - Addenbrookes
Posted Date: Aug 21 2025

We are seeking a highly motivated, flexible and experienced principal scientist to join the Cellular Biomarkers team within Biomarker & Bioanalytical Platforms located in the GSK Clinical Unit Cambridge, Addenbrookes.

This is a lab based role and the successful candidate will be experienced in different techniques/platforms e.g. spectral flow cytometry, immunoassay and some spatial and single cell technologies experience.

The team provides Biomarker sample study support by working with multiple different sample types/matrices from FTIH, Enabling and Translational Studies, and interventional clinical studies

This role will be responsible for completion of all aspects of assay workflow including sample preparation, sample acquisition, data analysis, interpretation and presentation. This role will provide you with the opportunity to lead biomarker assay work to support translational and clinical study projects and closely collaborate and support research teams, GSK matrix partners, external academic institutes and other groups within Biomarker & Bioanalytical Platforms.

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 people’s 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. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more:
Our approach to R&D

Key Responsibilities

• Generate high quality data to support studies by spectral flow cytometry (Cytek Aurora), or Immunoassay (MSD/ELISA/ELLA/Quanterix) and support any spatial and single cell technologies studies.
• Act as a contact between the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory and teams based at GSK Stevenage, for example other groups within BBP, the Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Research Unit (RIIRU), and Oncology Research Unit.
• Biomarker assay development and validations, and expertly process samples received directly from the Clinical Unit or other sources, examples to include:
  • PBMC from fresh whole blood.
  • Fresh whole blood stimulations (e.g. plate-based assays or TruCulture Tubes) and subsequent plasma harvesting.
  • Preparation of fresh tissue samples to FFPE block, sectioning and the use of automation to stain histological sections for H&E, immunohistochemistry and RNA ISH, and perform whole-slide scanning.
  • Process fresh cellular samples, tissue and blood, to prepare single cell preparations suitable for downstream molecular quantification and next generation sequencing, including relevant QC testing.
  • Develop and deliver spatially multiplexed proteomic assays
  • Generate spatial proteomics and transcriptomic data and collaborate with data analysts to generate maximum value.

• Work as part of the team to ensure day-to-day laboratory responsibilities are met (QC checking, reviewing study plans/reports etc)
• Handle human biological samples and perform experimental work in accordance with GCP and Human Tissue Act (HTA) regulations, environmental safety assessments and data integrity guidelines.
• Function well in a team and possess a good balance of creative and analytical skills. Be willing to develop and train others as required.
• Available for occasional “out-of-hours” study support when required.

Why you?

Qualifications & Skills:

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

• PhD or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong laboratory experience and expertise working with a variety of sample types including whole blood, PBMC, single-cell tissue suspensions or tissue biopsies, which may be infected with blood-borne pathogens such as HBV.
• Strong understanding of clinical and non-clinical biomarker assay development, validation and execution including first hand practical experience of designing/running 18+ colour flow cytometry panels and preferably MSD Immunoassay.
• Experience of standard histology workflows, and preferably spatial biology multiplexed RNA/protein assays.
• Ability to maintain a disciplined approach, ensuring a relentless focus on quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Deliver, interpret and communicate complex scientific data to project/program teams within agreed timelines.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

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

• A good understanding of the drug development process.
• Prior experience or understanding of working in a GCP setting.
• Experience of writing SOPs and other regulated documents.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• First-hand experience with spectral cytometry, preferably Cytek Aurora
• Experience in developing spatially multiplexed proteomic assays
• Experience in spatial proteomics and transcriptomic data analysis

Closing Date for Applications: 4th September 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.

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.

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