Principal Scientist, Mitochondrial & Cellular Toxicity
Location: UK, Hertfordshire, Stevenage. Posted: Oct 30 2025.
This role accounts for laboratory technical support and specialist advanced cellular modelling approaches to generate data that elucidate mechanisms of toxicity, understand species differences, identify novel translational safety biomarkers, and inform project decisions.
With knowledge and experience of cell culture and advanced cellular models (e.g., complex in vitro models, human model systems, micro physiological systems, and/or organ-on-chip models), the Principal Scientist will conduct paper and laboratory-based studies in support of predictive, mechanistic and translational toxicological investigations across new drug modalities (oligos, ADC, T‑cell engagers, etc.) for projects in discovery and development.
The scientist will provide subject matter expertise for specific technical or scientific areas such as organ toxicities or cell model techniques.
This is a lab-based position requiring a regular on‑site presence at GSK Stevenage.
This position has been agreed to be at the G8 level but may be considered at the G7 level for exceptional candidates.
In this role you will
* Design and execute innovative toxicology experiments or technical work programs to support Project issues with limited supervision; work includes study planning, experiment organization, sample preparation, data generation, processing, analysis and reporting.
* Plan next steps based on interpretation of results in collaboration with the Investigative Lead.
* Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a scientifically current, state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment.
* Lead development of new cellular assay formats/techniques (from tissues, primary cells, or cell culture systems) to investigate mechanisms and translate organ and cell toxicities and safety risks to the clinic, including routine mammalian cell screening assays.
* Provide high quality data acceptable to principles of data integrity (DI), including quality control (QC) of study data.
* Be a subject matter expert in your field with theoretical and technical understanding; provide expert advice to Project Teams, advisory Safety Panels, Target Safety Reviews and external partners as required.
* Understand the disease target under investigation, and if applicable the therapeutic area, and the programme/project plan and potential safety issues of assigned projects and studies.
* Collaborate with all areas involved in a study to optimise study efficiency and quality to meet project goals and timelines.
* Prepare detailed oral or written reports and interim summaries within agreed timelines.
* Ensure clear, concise timely communication, and provide accurate information to study/report tracking systems.
* May take a leadership role for specific enabling functions such as safety, facilities, compliance or data integrity on behalf of the group.
* Participate in collaborations (with internal and external partners) to assist the development and deployment of new approaches to improve efficiency, prediction, mechanistic understanding, and translation of drug safety risks.
* Ensure compliance with GSK SOPs and Policies, GLP, and data integrity, safety, and animal welfare guidelines.
Basic Qualifications & Skills
* MSc, PhD or equivalent by experience in molecular biology, cellular biology, toxicology and/or other related biological sciences.
* Experience of cellular biology using advanced cellular systems and investigative safety/toxicology studies and their conduct, ideally within a pharmaceutical or research institute setting, and a subject matter expert for a specific technical area (e.g., certain types of in‑vitro cellular models, organ toxicity).
* Significant knowledge of and proficiency in routine and advanced cellular techniques and how to interpret and contextualise data for risk assessment.
* Experience providing technical subject matter expertise to Project Teams, Safety Project Specialists and other stakeholders, including integrated assessments of preclinical toxicity data.
* Understanding of modelling platform applications to support adverse outcome pathways and translation from non‑clinical species to humans; assist with preclinical investigations on toxicity issues arising preclinically and clinically with small and large molecules across a variety of modalities.
* Proficiency in laboratory and in silico techniques to build and implement new human relevant cell models or other assays to fill strategic gaps and meet project needs, with an increasing focus on large molecules.
* Excellent written and verbal communication and organisational skills, ideally with evidence of a relevant publication record.
* Ability to work across boundaries as part of cross‑functional matrix teams internally and potentially externally (including authorship and presentation of scientific content).
* Familiar with platform data and bioinformatics software and working with data analysts/bioinformaticians to leverage high‑content data approaches to support toxicological mechanism of action studies and risk assessment.
Closing Date for Applications – 12th of November 2025 (COB).
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 will be used to assess your application.
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or any basis prohibited under law.
Should you require 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 (times may vary during bank holidays).
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