Principal Scientist, Target Validation and MoA

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 a 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.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

We are looking for a professional with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• 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:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• 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

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert.

When applying for this role, please use the ‘cover letter’ of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more:
Our approach to R&D

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.

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.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com or 0808 234 4391.  The helpline is available from 8.30am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday, during bank holidays these times and days may vary.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/