Scientific Manager - Novel Human Genetics (Neurology)

We are seeking a passionate and accountable talent with experience in independent post-graduate neuroscience research experience either in academia or in industry, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, for a Scientific Manager role to join an energetic team in the Novel Human Genetics Research Unit (NHG RU) with the goal of discovering and developing medicines for diseases with a significant unmet medical need. As a scientific leader with experience in the application of primary/complex in vitro models in neurobiology, you will be responsible for identifying new molecular targets and establishing and implementing cellular assays in projects. This is an exciting role in a dynamic matrix team environment that will allow the successful candidate to have a critical contribution in our drug discovery efforts.

The successful candidate will have the knowledge, understanding and experience in state of the art and current molecular and cell biological aspects of neuroscience using different in vitro cell model systems (cell lines, primary cells, iPSCs) and techniques (molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and computational biology), imaging and “Omic” platforms to facilitate drug discovery and development during target identification, evaluation, validation, lead optimization, mechanism of action, and translation in project teams. A talent who aspires to learn and work collaboratively in teams will succeed in this role. Though drug discovery experience is highly desirable but not essential, basic understanding of pharmacology will be a plus to contribute in drug discovery and development projects. The position may or may not have direct line management responsibility. Depending on the level of experience and expertise, the candidate may act as project leader or biology leader and work collaboratively in project teams. The successful candidate is one who is science driven, innovative, understands project needs and establishes relevant biological assays, effectively trouble shoots challenges, assumes personal accountability, courageous, reveres team work, agile, makes robust data-driven decisions, open-minded, transparent, and keen to learn through experience to advance in career.

This role will provide YOU the opportunity to lead key activities to progress YOUR career, these responsibilities include some of the following:

• Assimilate and evaluate in-house and publicly available data in support of new target identification and evaluation and also to support ongoing projects
• Establish and validate in vitro cellular assays using cell lines, primary cells from rodent brain/spinal cord, or postmortem human samples and using iPSC differentiated cells, and adapting different methodologies (molecular, biochemical, imaging, omics) to support target evaluation/identification/validation and lead optimization in drug discovery projects.
• Contribute to design and execution of functional genomics screens using iPSC-CRISPR-based systems for identification and validation of new targets or for V2G2F mapping
• Define, design, and perform experiments using in vitro cellular models to validate drug discovery targets and/or progress lead optimization projects by genetic and/or pharmacological manipulation (e.g., gene editing, shRNA).
• Provide scientific insights based on knowledge and experience in drug discovery projects.
• Contribute to the new target triage identified through genetic analysis from our alliance with 23andMe as well as other public-private consortia such as AMP-AD, AMP-PD and Open Targets and others.
• Timely delivery of robust results to drug discovery matrix teams to enable decision making.
• Hands-on execution of laboratory experiments, data recording/analysis, and strict adherence to data integrity principles.
• Effectively resolve scientific and technical challenges using knowledge and subject matter expertise/experience to enable program progression.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant literature, and effective incorporation of the knowledge and technology to positively impact the project.
• Clear communication of study results and impact in written form and at internal and external meetings.
• Implementation of a robust, yet dynamic data analysis pipeline that integrates multiple diverse data types.

About NHG RU: The Novel Human Genetics Research Unit (NHG RU) was formed in 2019 to identify and advance novel targets with genetic association to disease based on the foundational observation that targets with human genetic evidence supporting their causal role in the intended indication improves clinical success by two-fold. The NHG RU is therapeutically broad and complements other research units with strategic focus in immunology and oncology. The current portfolio includes projects focused on neurological diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, FTD, migraine and Pain, in addition to cardio-metabolic diseases. The remit of NHG RU is to identify novel targets based on human genetics, develop assets for clinical studies, and perform Phase 1 first time in human and proof of mechanism studies in clinic. This goal is enabled through strategic external (23andMe, UK Biobank, FinnGenn, Laboratory of Genomic Research, Public-Private Consortia) and GSK-internal partnerships (Functional Genomics, AI/ML, and Medicinal Science and Technologies).

Why you?

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or MD/PhD) with 3+ years of post-doctoral or industry experience in neuroscience or neuropharmacology projects focusing on cell and molecular aspects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing robust cellular and biochemical assays using cell lines, primary cells from rodent brain/spinal cord, and using iPSC differentiated cells, and adapting different methodologies (molecular, biochemical, imaging) for assay readouts.
• Functional genomics screen using iPSC/CRISPR- based system.
• Demonstrated experience in working independently as well as collaboratively in a matrix environment across multi-disciplinary teams to support multiple projects.
• A broad and integrated cell biology knowledge with experience in neurodegenerative diseases, but also have the ability to use the cell biology expertise and experience to develop assays in other disease areas to support projects.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstration of scientific integrity and rigor in prior work.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific leadership through publications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and interpret Omic datasets along with cell and systems biology.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present results in an organized and concise manner.
• Comfortable to lead research in a cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to prioritize, manage time efficiently, and implement creative solutions to meet program needs.
• Commitment to continual improvement by reading and applying the latest scientific literature, methodologies and technologies.
• A high level of integrity and desire to develop transformational medicines that bring benefit to patients

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience functioning at comparable level in drug discovery either at pharma or in biotech.
• In vivo animal model/ transgenic animal experience.
• Intellectually, mature, resourceful and technically diverse, adept, versatile, durable, and agile.
• Strong self-motivation; independent, capable of multi-tasking but with attention to detail, working on multiple projects, and delivering on objectives on time.
• Experience in planning and executing studies with the sense of urgency.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Why GSK?

Our values and expectations are at the heart of everything we do and form an important part of our culture.

These include Patient focus, Transparency, Respect, Integrity along with Courage, Accountability, Development, and Teamwork. As GSK focuses on our values and expectations and a culture of innovation, performance, and trust, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Agile and distributed decision-making - using evidence and applying judgement to balance pace, rigor and risk, managing ambiguity and paradox.
• Managing individual performance.
• Creating a performance culture and driving results, prioritisation, execution, delivering performance.
• Building strong relationships and collaboration in service of common goals, engaging the organisation and building trusted external networks for mutual benefit.
• Committed to delivering high quality results, overcoming challenges, focusing on what matters, execution.
• Continuously looking for opportunities to learn, build skills and share learning both internally and externally.
• Building strong relationships and collaboration, managing trusted stakeholder relationships internally and externally.

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*This is a job description to aide in the job posting, but does not include all job evaluation details.

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