Associate Scientist, Complex In Vitro Models

Associate Scientist, Complex In Vitro Models, GSK Vaccines, Cambridge, MA

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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. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease.

We believe the Greater Boston area is an important hub for the biotech and pharma industry, which is why we’ve invested in growing our footprint and expanding our R&D space in Cambridge, with a primary focus on additional state-of-the-art lab space. Here, we will bring together talent and expertise, building upon GSK’s long history of vaccine development, to create globally leading viral capabilities and cutting-edge vaccine technologies, as we add to our robust portfolio targeting infectious diseases at every stage of life.

In the plan to create a new hub for vaccine discovery in Cambridge, we are building new laboratories that will be focused on the development of state-of-the-art methods that will be supporting deep product understanding, process and product development, as well as testing of pre-clinical and clinical samples for new vaccines.

We are seeking a highly collaborative and innovative Cell Biologist to join our team. This role focuses on unraveling the cellular mechanisms of vaccine delivery and evaluating vaccine candidates through a cell biology lens. While a foundational understanding of immunology is beneficial, the primary emphasis of this position is on applying advanced cell biology techniques, particularly high-resolution imaging, to understand how vaccines interact at the cellular level.

As an Associate Scientist, you will apply your expertise in cell culture and in vitro assays to contribute to multiple projects aimed at advancing a wide variety of vaccine candidates through preclinical development. A key aspect of this position involves confocal microscopy of cultured cells to visualize cellular responses and vaccine delivery. You may also participate in the set-up of complex models such as 3D culture systems or organ-on-chip platforms. The data you generate will provide critical information to enable strategic decision-making by vaccine project teams. If you are passionate about applying cutting-edge cell biology, microscopy, and data analysis to vaccine development and enjoy working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this job is for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of in vitro assays to measure cellular responses on different cell types or tissues.
• Optimize and execute mammalian cell culture techniques, including standard cell lines and complex in vitro models.
• Execute advanced microscopy techniques, specifically confocal and other high-resolution imaging methods, on cultured cells to visualize cellular processes and vaccine interactions.
• Perform quantitative image analysis using commercial software or by developing custom scripts (e.g., in Python) to extract meaningful data from microscopy experiments.
• Analyze, interpret, and accurately record experimental results, presenting findings in written and oral communications.
• Write and revise laboratory protocols and maintain accurate and detailed records in an electronic notebook.
• Work cross-functionally with scientists in other teams to characterize vaccine candidates.
• Provide key data for potential publications in scientific journals or patent filings.
• Collaborate and assist senior team members in project execution and scientific discussions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field) with 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience in a pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, academic, or government institute; OR a Master’s degree with relevant laboratory experience.
• One or more years of experience with mammalian cell culture, including cell lines, primary cells and/or complex in vitro models.
• One or more years of experience executing and troubleshoot experiments utilizing immunofluorescence in cultured cells.
• One or more years of experience with imaging various cultured cells and in vitro models using confocal microscopy.
• Ability to work in person at the Cambridge site and demonstrate willingness to spend ~80% of one’s time in the research laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with confocal microscopy and advanced image acquisition techniques.
• Proficiency in image analysis software (e.g., ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, Arivis) and/or experience in writing analysis scripts (e.g., in Python, R, MATLAB) for quantitative image data extraction.
• Experience working with human biological samples.
• An understanding of immunology and its relevance to vaccine mechanisms.
• Experience with mRNA transfection and/or working with viruses.
• Experience in assay development and qualification.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a matrixed team.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated track record of strong written and oral scientific communication.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental problems and adapt to new challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple assays concurrently under tight timeline restrictions.

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• 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 $73,838 to $123,063. 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.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at [email protected] where you can also request a call.

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

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.

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