Principal Scientist

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead translational biomarker research. You will design experiments, analyze data, and translate findings into biological hypotheses while collaborating across teams.

The role offers hybrid work and potential relocation considerations, with a strong focus on scientific leadership and impactful outcomes. This position emphasizes high-level data analysis, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and mentorship of junior scientists within a dynamic R&D

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field with post-graduate experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain computational pipelines for translational research.
• Interpret complex datasets and present actionable insights to project teams.
• Lead cross-functional project activities and mentor junior scientists.
• Ensure data integrity, documentation and reproducibility.
• Contribute to scientific reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Single-cell sequencing

Bioimaging data analysis

Python

R

Statistics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology

Job description

Principal Scientist

Closing Date: 1st October 2026 (COB)

Business Introduction

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

Our approach to R&D

For candidates seeking to be located at our Stevenage site, this role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge, UK. The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge, UK in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.

Position Summary

You will lead and deliver high-impact biomarker and mechanism-of-action research to support clinical translation. You will work across teams to design experiments, analyse data, and translate findings into biological hypotheses. We value clear thinking, scientific curiosity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. This role offers strong growth potential, the chance to shape scientific direction, and meaningful impact aligned with our mission of uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain computational pipelines to support translational research.
• Interpret complex datasets and present clear, actionable insights to project teams.
• Lead cross-functional project activities and mentor junior scientists.
• Ensure high standards for data integrity, documentation and reproducibility.
• Contribute to scientific reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Basic Qualification

• PhD or MSc in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field and post-graduate experience.
• Experience in analysis of bioimaging data or single-cell sequencing data analysis.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used for data analysis, Python or R.
• Strong statistical understanding and experience analysing biological datasets.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and communicating results to non-specialists.
• Right to work in the United Kingdom; willing to work on-site or hybrid as required by the team.

Preferred Qualification

• Familiarity with single-cell sequencing, proteomics or advanced bioimaging data.
• Track record of publications or conference presentations in relevant scientific areas.
• Experience building automated pipelines and applying machine learning in biology.
• Demonstrated leadership of projects and mentoring of junior staff.

Work Pattern

This position is offered as hybrid working, combining time on-site in the United Kingdom or Germany with flexible remote work. Specific on-site versus remote days will be agreed with the hiring manager.

What we value

We create a workplace where people can grow and do their best work. We welcome different perspectives and foster inclusion. We look for people who are curious, collaborative and accountable. If you want to help translate genetics into better medicines and grow your scientific leadership, we would love to hear from you.

Skills Applied

Statistics, Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Data Science, Datasets, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Drug Target Identification, Genetic Analysis, Genomic Analysis, Machine Learning (ML), Software Engineering

Germany Salary Range

Gehaltsbandbreiten Deutschland: EUR 74,250 to EUR 123,750The annual gross base salary range for new hires in this position is listed above for each applicable location. These ranges take into account a number of factors including the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position may offer an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. More detailed information on the total benefits package will be supplied during the recruitment process. This role is available for applicants from multiple locations, and therefore salary ranges for certain locations are also shown. Salary ranges for other locations are shown because some markets have pay transparency laws that require salary information on job postings, and those locations are potential job sites for this role. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific location or country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process. Please note salaries vary by country based on the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. Offers are typically made within the advertised range based on the candidate’s skills, experience and qualifications, with the upper end generally reserved for highly experienced candidates or other exceptional circumstances aligned with these criteria.

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.

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 [e-mail] where you can also request a call. Please note that if your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels.

We want GSK to be a place where people can

We want GSK to be a place where people can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.