Principal Downstream Scientist - mRNA purification

Principal Downstream Scientist – mRNA purification


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. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives.

GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more: Our approach to R&D


Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the development of mRNA-based vaccines? As a Principal Downstream Scientist specializing in mRNA purification, you will play a key role in advancing innovative vaccine platforms. You will design and optimize purification processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the development of scalable solutions. We value candidates who are driven, collaborative, and eager to bring fresh ideas to the table. This role is based in the United States and offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of vaccine development.



Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to develop and optimize mRNA purification processes.
• Ensure processes are scalable and phase-appropriate for clinical manufacturing.
• Collaborate with global teams, including analytical R&D, GMP, and process development colleagues.
• Drive innovative solutions to improve purification techniques and meet project milestones.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in downstream processing. Maintain detailed documentation to ensure data integrity and compliance.
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD. degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Five years (Master's) or Three years (PhD.) of industry experience in downstream process development for large biomolecules, including mRNA or pDNA.
• Hands-on experience with purification techniques such as affinity capture, ion exchange, and hydrophobic interactions. Three years of experience supporting CMC activities, including process and analytical development.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Quality by Design principles and DOE studies for process optimization.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (FDA/ICH/ISPE) for process validation and technology transfer.
• Familiarity with nucleic acid analytical technologies. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment.
  

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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 $113,025 to $188,375. 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 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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