Biocatalysis Scientist

GlaxoSmithKline
Stevenage
6 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Biochemist - Scientific Consulting

Site Name:UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date:Nov 8 2024

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.

We embrace modern work practises; our Performance with Choice programme offers a 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

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the GSK Enzyme Engineering and Biocatalysis group for a biocatalysis scientist . In this role you would be responsible for supporting our work developing novel enzyme chemistries and discovering new enzyme variants for the synthesis of oligonucleotide and small molecule APIs across the GSK portfolio. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team of experts, you would, scope biocatalytic reactions, develop assays to probe specific biochemical properties of enzymes and execute HTP screening workflows within our enzyme engineering platform.

The role is fast-paced and dynamic, you will thrive in this environment if you are able to effectively manage multiple priorities, communicate your recommendations clearly and enjoy working in cross-functional teams.

Key responsibilities:

As a biocatalysis scientist, you will be responsible for a wide range of activities supporting our directed evolution workflow on a variety of protein engineering activities.

Activities include:

  • Plan and execute experiments to further understanding of relevant biocatalyst properties towards reaction industrialisation, such as reaction kinetics
  • Utilize screening technologies, including automation, for the discovery and optimisation of enzyme reactions focused on oligonucleotide manufacturing.
  • Validate screening results to appropriate scale (e.g. Plate, Vial or Laboratory Reactor)
  • Analysing data using programs such as MS Excel, TIBCO Spotfire and bespoke software tools to inform decisions, utilize a LIMS system to track samples and analyses
  • Work closely with Molecular Biologists, NGS scientists, and Bioinformaticians to identify and resolve barriers with in the enzyme engineering workflow
  • Interact with partners in discovery, development , and manufacturing to identify and pursue enzyme opportunities


Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills:

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

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a relevant life science
  • Practical laboratory experience of the identification of enzymes to perform reactions of interest, and the optimization of those enzymes under synthetically relevant conditions


Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

Please note the following skills are not necessary, just preferred, if you do not have them, please still apply:

  • Bachelor's degree and equivalent relevant laboratory experience OR doctoral/PhD degree in Biocatalysis, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Oligonucleotide Chemistry or a related discipline
  • Knowledge and experience with enzyme engineering techniques
  • Practical laboratory experience of characterising nucleic acid-modifying enzymes such as ligases, polymerases, phosphatases and kinases.
  • Understanding of enzyme structure function relationship
  • Familiarity withlabautomation equipmentand its use in high throughput experimentation
  • Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, displaying excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills


Closing Date for Applications - 22nd November 2024

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 over the next 10 years. R&D is committed to discovering and delivering transformational vaccines and medicines to prevent and change the course of disease. Science and technology are coming together in a way they never have before, and we have strong tech-enabled capabilities that allow us to build a deeper understanding of the patient, human biology and disease mechanisms, and transform medical discovery. We are revolutionising the way we do R&D. 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 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. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

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.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

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 or .

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

As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions. We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it. Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.

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 GSK's Transparency Reporting For the Record site.

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Rural-Remote Biotech Jobs: Making Waves Beyond the Big Cities

A Fresh Outlook for Biotech Professionals When people think of biotech jobs in the UK, their minds often jump to the famous “Golden Triangle” encompassing London, Oxford, and Cambridge—areas historically rich in research institutes, biotech start-ups, and Big Pharma headquarters. While these regions remain crucial to the sector, the landscape is evolving. New technologies, changes in work culture, and the increasing feasibility of remote and hybrid roles are drawing life science professionals away from city centres and into the rural or coastal parts of the country. At BiotechnologyJobs.co.uk, we see more and more postings for roles in beautiful, often overlooked areas—from the hills of North Wales and the rolling landscapes of Yorkshire to the spectacular coastlines of Cornwall and Argyll. Even jobseekers are becoming more adventurous with their search terms, going beyond “lab technician in London” to include lifestyle-driven queries like “tech jobs by the sea” or “biotech remote countryside.” Why are these opportunities emerging now? The COVID-19 pandemic changed perceptions around how research and product development teams operate. Laboratories once thought it essential for everyone to be physically present all the time, but many tasks—particularly in data-intensive or administrative areas—proved workable with remote collaboration. Moreover, biotech itself is diversifying. Marine biology initiatives, agricultural biotech, digital health, and bioinformatics often take place outside city labs, tapping into local ecosystems or farmland as living laboratories. Below, we delve into how biotech professionals can embrace rural or seaside living without sacrificing career momentum. Whether you’re a research scientist hoping to reduce your urban commute, a bioinformatician who can work from anywhere, or a regulatory affairs specialist longing to live near the coast, rural-remote biotech roles offer exciting, career-enhancing possibilities.

Quantum-Enhanced AI in Biotech: The Next Big Leap for Life Sciences

Biotechnology sits at the confluence of science and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. In the past few decades, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has supercharged this field by offering predictive modelling and data analysis tools that are faster and more accurate than ever before. But a new, potentially game-changing ally is emerging in the quest to deepen our understanding of life’s complexities: quantum computing. Early signs suggest that quantum-enhanced AI could give biotech research a major shot in the arm—enabling new breakthroughs in drug discovery, genomics, and computational biology at speeds previously thought unattainable. By harnessing qubits instead of binary bits, quantum computing can explore vast solution spaces in parallel, promising to streamline processes that currently cost millions of pounds and untold hours of lab time. In this article, we’ll explore: How quantum computing differs from traditional computing. Why AI, particularly in biotechnology, stands to benefit from quantum’s speed and scale. Practical applications—from rational drug design to personalised medicine—that could be revolutionised. The emergence of quantum-biotech roles, including salary insights and skill requirements. Actionable strategies for professionals ready to ride the next wave of scientific innovation. Whether you’re a biotech professional looking to future-proof your career, a student investigating the next hot field, or simply curious about the intersection of cutting-edge tech and life sciences, read on. You’ll discover how quantum-enhanced AI is poised to reshape biotechnology and what you can do to be part of this transformation.

Biotech Jobs at Newly Funded UK Start-ups: Q3 2025 Investment Tracker

Biotechnology in the United Kingdom is experiencing a golden age. Once considered a niche sector, biotech has emerged as a cornerstone of innovation—transforming healthcare, agriculture, environmental management, and beyond. From gene therapy breakthroughs to novel drug delivery platforms, British biotech start-ups are leading the charge on the global stage, fuelled by a potent combination of academic excellence, government incentives, and a steady flow of venture capital. In this Q3 2025 Investment Tracker, we delve into the most exciting biotechnology start-ups in the UK that have secured funding over the past quarter. We’ll look at who they are, how they plan to use their new capital, and—crucially for job seekers—what roles they’re hiring for. Whether you’re a recent graduate searching for your first laboratory role or an industry veteran looking to lead cutting-edge research, this roundup will illuminate the opportunities awaiting you in the booming UK biotech scene.