Principal Scientist, Oncology Drug Discovery

GlaxoSmithKline; United States; Remote; USD 116,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Healthcare programs

Pension plan

Employee share plan

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline in the United States is seeking a Principal Scientist in Oncology Drug Discovery to lead cancer biology programs within ITCT Biology, designing and executing studies to understand mechanisms of action for small molecule therapeutics. This on-site role is based in Cambridge, MA or Upper Providence, PA with strict on-site requirements.

You will drive target validation, in vitro experimentation, and the development of portfolio assets, collaborating across a global matrix and

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Cell, Molecular, or Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences field (BS and a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience, MS and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience, or PhD and 0 years of relevant industry experience).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in designing, executing, and analyzing cellular and molecular biology experiments using small molecular therapeutics and a diverse array of current scientific techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work within a dynamic and global matrix team environment providing basic and translational biology support for target validation, drug discovery, and early clinical development of novel small molecule cancer therapies.
• Work independently to design, execute, and/or oversee impactful in vitro experiments to inform the development of portfolio assets.
• Champion innovative experimental techniques or technologies, including medium-throughput scalable assay development, target-specific mechanistic biology, and monotherapy and combination anti‑cancer efficacy testing of assets.
• Build communication networks across the Oncology Research Unit and broader organization.
• Guide the maturation and de‑risking of novel therapeutic concepts.

Skills

Biological Pathways

Cancer Research

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Drug Discovery Process

Drug Target Identification

Influencing Without Authority

Interpersonal Communication

Matrix Leadership

Proper Documentation

Scientific Presentations

Scientific Research

Scientific Writing

Education

BS in Cell/Cancer Biology

MS in related field

PhD in related field

Job description

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 programs, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme. We embrace modern work practices; our Performance with Choice programme offers a remote or hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in‑office work.

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

Find out more about GSK and R&D: Our approach to R&D

Principal Scientist, Oncology Drug Discovery

The Intracellular Targeted Cancer Therapeutics (ITCT) Biology Unit within the Oncology Research Unit is seeking an experienced Cancer Biologist for an Investigator role that will support a growing portfolio of precision oncology assets. The successful candidate will have a background in cancer biology with experience designing and executing biological studies to understand the mechanism of action small molecule cancer therapeutics.

We value curious, motivated scientists who take ownership, communicate clearly, and thrive in a collaborative environment. This role offers you a chance to grow your skills, make a meaningful impact, and contribute to GSK's mission of uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

This role can be in the United States in either Cambridge, MA or Upper Providence, PA and requires working on‑site. Hybrid or remote work options are not available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Work within a dynamic and global matrix team environment providing basic and translational biology support for target validation, drug discovery, and early clinical development of novel small molecule cancer therapies.
• Work independently to design, execute, and/or oversee impactful in vitro experiments to inform the development of portfolio assets.
• Champion innovative experimental techniques or technologies, including medium-throughput scalable assay development, target-specific mechanistic biology, and monotherapy and combination anti‑cancer efficacy testing of assets.
• Build communication networks across the Oncology Research Unit and broader organization.
• Guide the maturation and de‑risking of novel therapeutic concepts.

Basic Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Cell, Molecular, or Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or a related life sciences field (BS and a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience, MS and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience, or PhD and 0 years of relevant industry experience).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in designing, executing, and analyzing cellular and molecular biology experiments using small molecular therapeutics and a diverse array of current scientific techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of drug discovery experience in a biotech, preclinical CRO or pharmaceutical company
• Deep knowledge in the field of molecular oncogenesis, signaling pathway, bivalent or molecular glue modality.
• Deep expertise in assay development in a drug discovery setting
• Experience in applying genomic editing techniques to dissect target biology and drug mechanisms.
• Proven track record of scientific expertise and achievement in cell biology and cancer biology through peer-reviewed publications.
• Working knowledge of omic methods (e.g., sequencing, transcriptomics, and/or proteomics) and databases (e.g., TCGA, CCLE, DepMap, etc.).
• Attention to detail and proficient reasoning skills in experimental design, data analysis, statistical methods, and interpretation.
• Independence, problem‑solving abilities, self‑motivation, resourcefulness, and organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced team environment

Join us in making a difference in patients' lives around the world. We value your unique perspective and invite all interested candidates to submit their application.

Skills

Biological Pathways, Cancer Research, Cross‑Functional Teamwork, Drug Discovery Process, Drug Target Identification, Influencing Without Authority, Interpersonal Communication, Matrix Leadership, Proper Documentation, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing

Salary & Benefits

If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $115,500 to $192,500. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate's skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

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.

If you require an accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at GSK, please contact the appropriate Recruitment Staff by emailing us at - [e-mail]

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.