Principal Scientist, Target Validation and MoA

GSK; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader seeks a highly motivated Cell Biologist to join their team in Stevenage. This role involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies in a laboratory setting to support target validation efforts and advance therapeutic discovery. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have substantial experience in assay development and multiple cellular technologies, including CRISPR-based gene editing and three-dimensional cell culture. Join a collaborative environment where your contributions will make a significant impact on the field.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus based on company performance

Healthcare and wellbeing programmes

Pension plan membership

Shares and savings programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of research experience in a postdoctoral or industry setting.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with advanced cellular models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of experiments with primary human cells.
• Integrate biological endpoints for mechanistic understanding.
• Communicate findings in scientific forums.

Skills

Assay development

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Gene editing

Immunofluorescence

Flow cytometry

Confocal imaging

Education

PhD in Cell Biology or related field

Tools

3D cell culture

iPSC cells

Job description

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 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.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• 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

• 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

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.