Principal Scientist, Mitochondrial & Cellular Toxicity

GSK; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Stevenage is seeking a Principal Scientist specializing in Mitochondrial and Cellular Toxicity. In this role, you will conduct advanced toxicological investigations and develop innovative cellular models to support the understanding of drug safety risks. The ideal candidate holds an MSc or PhD in a relevant field, has substantial experience in toxicology studies within a pharmaceutical environment, and possesses excellent communication skills. Join to contribute to groundbreaking research in a fast-moving scientific landscape.

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, cellular biology, toxicology or related biological science.
• Experience with advanced cellular systems and investigative safety/toxicology studies in a pharmaceutical setting.
• Proficiency in laboratory and in silico techniques with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute toxicology experiments to support project issues.
• Lead development of new cellular assay formats for toxicities.
• Prepare detailed reports and ensure compliance with best practices.

Skills

Advanced cellular systems

Investigative toxicology studies

Cell culture techniques

Risk assessment

Bioinformatics software

Excellent communication skills

Education

MSc, PhD in molecular biology or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

In silico techniques

Job description

Principal Scientist Mitochondrial & Cellular Toxicity

This role will be accountable for the application of laboratory technical support and advanced cellular modelling approaches to generate data to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity, understand species differences, identify novel translational safety biomarkers, and inform project decisions.

With knowledge and experience in cell culture and advanced cellular models (e.g. complex in‑vitro models, human model systems, micro‑physiological systems and/or organ‑on‑chip models), the Principal Scientist will conduct laboratory‑based studies supporting predictive mechanistic and translational toxicological investigations across new drug modalities for projects in discovery and development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and execute innovative investigative toxicology experiments or technical work programmes to support Project Issues with limited supervision; work includes study planning, experiment organisation, sample preparation, data generation, processing, analysis and reporting.
• Plan next steps based on interpretation of results in collaboration with the Investigative Lead.
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a scientifically current state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment.
• Lead development of new cellular assay formats/techniques for the investigation of mechanisms and translation of organ and cellular toxicities and safety risks to the clinic.
• Provide high‑quality data acceptable to principles of data integrity, including quality control of study data.
• Be a subject‑matter expert in the field and provide expert advice to Project Teams, Safety Panels, Target Safety Reviews and external partners.
• Understand disease target, therapeutic area and potential safety issues of assigned projects/studies.
• Collaborate with all areas involved to optimise study efficiency and quality to meet project goals and timelines.
• Prepare detailed oral or written reports and interim summaries within agreed timelines.
• Ensure timely communication and provide accurate information to study/report tracking systems.
• Take leadership roles in enabling functions such as safety facilities compliance or data integrity.
• Participate in collaborations to develop and deploy new approaches to improve prediction, mechanistic understanding and translation of drug safety risks.
• Ensure compliance with GSK SOPs, Policies, GLP, data integrity, safety and animal welfare guidelines.

Basic qualifications and skills:

• MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, cellular biology, toxicology or related biological science.
• Experience with advanced cellular systems and investigative safety/toxicology studies, ideally in a pharmaceutical or research institute setting.
• Significant knowledge and proficiency in routine and advanced cellular techniques and their interpretation for risk assessment.
• Experience providing technical subject‑matter expertise to Project Teams, Safety Specialists and stakeholders.
• Understanding of modelling platform applications to support adverse outcome pathways and translation from non‑clinical species to humans.
• Proficiency in laboratory and in silico techniques to build and implement new human‑relevant cell models or assays.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organisational skills; evidence of relevant publication record.
• Ability to work across boundaries in cross‑functional matrix teams internally and externally.
• Familiarity with platform data and bioinformatics software, working with data analysts/bioinformaticians to leverage high‑content data approaches.

Location: GSK Stevenage, United Kingdom.

Employment type: Full‑time.

Closing date for applications: 12th November 2025 (COB).

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