Site Name:
UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date:
Jun 23 2025
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 .
We are seeking a motivated Oligonucleotide chemist to join the Enzyme and Oligonucleotide Development (EOD) department at GSK’s flagship R&D site at Stevenage in Hertfordshire.
As a Principal Scientist in EOD UK you will use your process chemistry knowledge and expertise to optimise routes for manufacture of oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and contribute to the development and deployment of state-of-the-art processes and technologies enabling the delivery of our medicines. Potentially, you will lead significant parts of chemistry development programs, directing the work of other scientists globally in a matrix team.
As projects advance through development there may be opportunities to lead pilot plant supplies across scales, culminating in the transfer of projects to commercial manufacturing facilities around the globe. The role is highly technical and dynamic as you will be working in several multi-disciplinary project teams. You will thrive in this environment if you are able to effectively manage multiple priorities, communicate your recommendations clearly, and enjoy working in teams.
Based at our R&D hub at Stevenage, the concentration of a large number of scientists inspires a culture of inclusion, equity and diversity with a common goal of innovation and collaboration. The location also benefits from excellent facilities on site and in the surrounding area as well as fast train access to central London and Cambridge.
This role is on-site laboratory based but there may be some flexibility for remote working when work permits with manager approval.
In this role you will…
Design and implement chemical routes and processes to oligonucleotide APIs suitable for scale up, with a focus on process understanding and the acquisition of the right data to support global regulatory filings
Optimise chemical manufacturing processes complying with safety, quality, speed, cost, sustainability, reproducibility, and regulatory requirements in all aspects of work
Have oversight of API manufacture on g to multi-ton scale to support clinical, regulatory, and commercial launch activities; potentially run internal facilities to support early tox API supply
Work to cGMP standards as appropriate
Participate in technology transfer activities to transfer new manufacturing processes to our commercial manufacturing partners as appropriate
Generate comprehensive conclusion reports, author or contribute to regulatory submissions, patents, scientific papers, and other internal and external documentation relevant to the role
Collaborate closely with scientists including analytical colleagues to contribute to accelerated development of new medicines
Potentially lead projects within a CMC environment
Why you?
Basic Qualifications/Essentials:
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:
PhD or equivalent academic or industrial laboratory-based experience in Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Proven track record of laboratory-scale chemistry execution and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve potential issues effectively in a multi-functional team
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
We are looking for professionals with these preferred skills to achieve our goals:
Extensive knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistry including potential routes of impurity formation
Practical experience of laboratory scale oligonucleotide synthesis, purification and isolation using Cytiva equipment and Unicorn software
Familiarity with techniques for development and understanding of scalable chemical processes e.g., kinetics, statistical design of experiments.
Experience working with exploratory data analysis techniques in a programming environment, ideally involving analysis of oligonucleotide synthesis/purification data.
Familiarity with control strategy requirements, e.g., analytical specifications, impurity purging and fate mapping, genotoxic impurity risk assessment
Ability to effectively communicate in a multi-disciplinary working environment, ensuring every department is informed throughout the scientific division
Closing Date for Applications: 07th July 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. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.
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.
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.
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