Scientific Leader

GSK•Upper Providence, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Scientific Leader in the Complex Models group within the Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation Biology Unit (RIIBU), you will lead the design and execution of in vivo strategy for preclinical projects and potentially for clinical programs. You will leverage your expertise in integrative, translational biology for targets and in vivo models relevant to renal and liver diseases. This is a hybrid role based at our Upper Providence site in Collegeville, PA requiring 2-3 days on-site per week average.

Requirements

Master’s in physiology, pharmacology or immunology and 7+ years in vivo research experience, or PhD in physiology, physiology, pharmacology or immunology and 5+ years of in vivo research experience either in industry or an academic environment.
Lab/vivarium-based experience of animal model systems in renal and/or liver disease.
Renal and liver physiology/pathophysiology, metabolically-aligned disease pathways and biomarker strategy experience.
Application of pharmacology principles in early drug discovery.
Independent analysis of complex in vivo/ex vivo/in vitro data.
Experience in robust study design (RSD) principles and writing and critiquing protocols.
Experience of rodent handling, dosing, tissue necropsy, and blood sampling including familiarity of IT systems to maintain accurate records, e.g.: Tick@Lab, eLN, PACT.
Experience in analysis and use of statistical and data visualization software (i.e. GraphPad Prism and Spotfire).

Nice To Haves

Experience in leading biology or preclinical discovery projects is highly preferred.
Demonstrate deep problem-solving skills (e.g.during planning and in-life phase of studies/experiments).
Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Proven ability to oversee (as Study Monitor) external animal studies conducted at CRO or academic groups.
Maintain deep awareness of the relevant literature and be able to apply findings to experiments.
Proven ability to write and critique scientific documents and be able to independently and clearly communicate scientific ideas and findings to line and matrix teams, both verbally and in written form, through use of Microsoft Office, Teams, and Sharepoint.
Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility to manage multiple studies in distinct phases of experimental conduct.
Awareness and application of risk assessments and SOPs and local safety practices to ensure a safe working environment.
Demonstrate deep learning agility.

Responsibilities

Expert level knowledge, design and lab/vivarium based execution of preclinical PK/PD, efficacy, and mechanistic in vivo studies, and employ translational biomarkers and robust study design across multiple R&D phases (from target validation through clinical) in accordance with GSK principles, written standards and SOP’s.
Responsible for providing independent, robust and clear understanding of the scientific rationale, key objectives, implementation, endpoints and Go/No-Go decisions for in vivo studies.
Design, execute (lab/vivarium), analyze, interpret, and present relevant studies as the In Vivo Leader (IVL) representative on portfolio projects with input from Biology Leader (BL), Project leader (PL), Complex Models Leadership Team, and external/internal partners. May provide guidance and support to other in vivo team members.
Oversee external CRO and/or academic in vivo studies as study monitor and ensure accurate reporting of results to internal stakeholders and leadership.
Lead in vivo strategy and discussions independently and understand/apply robust study design (RSD) principles, gaining and incorporating input from SMEs and matrix partners (e.g. LASG, Statistics, PK modelling, Histopathology, Dispensary, Biopharm and Chemistry) prior to seeking endorsement/recommendations for animal studies at Independent Scientific Review (ISR) forum and Pre-Study Briefings (PSB).
Lead and guide team discussions on incorporating novel models/technologies and biomarkers in in vivo studies to address complex scientific challenges and produce high-quality, reproducible results, including selecting in vivo models using omics datasets (e.g. gene and/or protein level).
Lead the resolution of technical issues in experimental planning, timelines, setup and execution, identifying bottlenecks to maintain project momentum and to achieve research objectives within agreed timelines.
Lab/vivarium based execution of studies to enable sample/tissue acquisition, processing, and analysis to integrate PK/PD and translational biomarker data from in vivo studies.
Key contact for animal studies, including provision of out of hours procedures as required.
Responsible for maintaining technical expertise/competency and confidence in rodent handling, dosing, blood and tissue collection, and measurements of biological/ physiological function (e.g. Organ function, Hemodynamics).
Be familiar with Federal Laws surrounding animal use in research and the local governance process (IACUC) and independent scientific review (ISR).
Be familiar with severity limits/constraints related to adverse effects and respond as required under IACUC, and GSK Policy on Care, Welfare and Use of Animals.
Be accountable for and apply appropriate levels of checks and examinations to adequately assess and record animal health and welfare and act on findings by applying corrective measures or seek advice from appropriate individuals (e.g. vets or named welfare individuals).
Work effectively with internal matrix partners (e.g. BL, PL, R&DTech) and lead collaborations with external partners (e.g. CRO, academic groups), including Study Monitoring responsibilities.
Communicate scientific ideas, in vivo strategy, and in vivo studies both verbally and in written form to internal and external teams.
Maintain accurate, up to date and detailed electronic laboratory records in alignment with data integrity standards and ensure compliance with all relevant written standards, SOPs, Risk Assessments and safety guidelines.
Foster an enterprise culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Read scientific literature and apply to in vivo biology strategy and studies.