Senior Scientist, Upstream Processing

1925 GlaxoSmithKline LLC; Upper Merion Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GlaxoSmithKline plc in Upper Merion, PA is seeking a Senior Scientist, Upstream Processing to advance biopharmaceutical manufacturing. You will design, execute, and analyze experiments, collaborating with diverse teams to drive innovative solutions aligned with GSK’s mission to unite science and talent against disease.

The role emphasizes hands-on GMP production, quality compliance, and a strong record of data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of GMP manufacturing or upstream processing experience.
• Understanding of GMP regulations and quality systems is preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Leads the manufacture of clinical supply of investigational biopharmaceutical molecules in cGMP large scale cell culture.
• Leads or supports projects requiring initiative and technical know-how.
• Supports technology transfer to ensure new processes fit and execute consistently.
• Troubleshoots processing issues and communicates with decision-makers.
• Identifies process improvements impacting safety, compliance, and cost.
• Maintains documentation and logs per policy and regulatory requirements.
• Strives for Right First Time in manufacturing of investigational material.

Skills

Data Integrity

Detail-Oriented

Digital Fluency

Emergency Response

Financial Acumen

GxP Regulations

Lean Management

Manufacturing Processes

Problem Solving

Production Management

Project Coordination

Quality Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Awareness

Site Operations

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Senior Scientist, Upstream Processing

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 Senior Scientist, Upstream Processing Joinus as a Senior Scientist, Upstream Processing and play a key role in advancing scientific research that makes a real difference. You will work closely with diverse teams to design, carry out, and analyze experiments. Your insights will help shape innovative solutions that align with our mission to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. We value curiosity, teamwork, and a hands‑on approach to solving important challenges. This role offers meaningful growth and impact as you develop your career in a supportive environment. 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 is located in Upper Merion, PA and requires working on‑site. Hybrid or remote work options are not available for this position. This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career.

Responsibilities

• Leads the manufacture of clinical supply of investigational biopharmaceutical molecules. Specifically: hands‑on cGMP large scale cell culture for use in early phase clinical trials
• Leads or works on projects and assignments where independent action and a high degree of initiative and knowledge are required for execution or to provide recommendations
• Supports the technology transfer process through active participation in ensuring that new processes fit and execute consistently
• Troubleshoots problems in the execution of processing activities; proactively assesses options and impact and takes action to rectify or communicate to appropriate decision makers
• Identifies process improvement opportunities with impact on safety, compliance, and efficiency/cost
• Maintains and performs compliance checks for documentation in logs, media forms, batch records, and electronic systems in accordance with company policy and legal requirements
• Strives for Right First Time in the manufacture of investigational material through attention, focus, planning, and adherence to procedural and regulatory expectations

Basic Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or other engineering or scientific field
• A minimum of 3 years of direct GMP manufacturing experience or upstream processing experience in a biotechnology manufacturing facility or Pilot Plant

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills and communicates well both verbally and through written communications
• Maintains a professional and productive relationship with area management and co-workers
• Thorough knowledge of routine laboratory/plant equipment and demonstrates high level of technical expertise with working familiarity with several methods, techniques, laboratory procedures and processes
• Possess in‑depth knowledge of how to analyze and interpret experimental/process data

Skills

• Data Integrity
• Detail‑Oriented
• Digital Fluency
• Emergency Response
• Financial Acumen
• GxP Regulations
• Lean Management
• Manufacturing Processes
• Problem Solving
• Production Management
• Project Coordination
• Quality Compliance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Awareness
• Site Operations

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

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We are a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the world in the next 10 years. Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they 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. Find out more on our career site.

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