• Job Description

  Req#: 361505

  Associate Director, Upstream Process Research Group Leader

  BioPharm Process Research (BPR) is an early process development function responsible for accelerating biopharmaceutical assets into clinical manufacture by linking Biopharmaceutical D iscovery and CMC . As part of this wider department the Upstream Process Research group is responsible for de-risking commercial cell lines in our upstream platforms and early material generation for a variety of portfolio milestones, including non-GMP toxicology . From this point they are responsible for the subsequent transfer to GSK’s large-scale clinical manufacturing facilities in the US and to the Biopharm Drug Substance Process development function t o support the progression of GSK’s innovative early stage Biopharm portfolio , which includes monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies and recombinant proteins , towards Phase III and commercial manufacture.

  Our recent investment in automated upstream and cell line development processes, combined with cutting edge analytical techniques and advanced data analysis is enabling us to better understand our platform processes and increase our metabolic and biochemical knowledge of our cell lines. We are now looking to leverage these enhanced datasets to drive a deeper understanding of the interaction of Cell x Process x Molecule by linking cell line biology to subsequent upstream process performance .

  The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced ‘hands on’ bioprocess engineer who will link cell line selection to performance at manufacturing scale by working closely with our C ell L ine D evelopment, Digital, Data & Analytics and late-stage CMC groups to develop effective Ways of Working, for example scale down models , to enhance cell line selection to support our End-to-End Biopharm capability and Single Cycle Development ambitions.

  The successful applicant will:

  • Work with appropriate internal and external partners:

  • To d rive ‘right-first time’ portfolio progression of all internal biopharmaceutical assets covering upstream platform de-risking, material delivery and process transfer.

  • To l ink cell line performance at ambr15 scale to manufacturing scale bioreactor performance by developing models to enhance the scalability of our bioreactor systems

  • U se cross-scale metabolic, biochemical, spectral and bioreactor engineering data to enhance process transfer by connecting ambr15 and manufacturing scale performance

  • L everage manufacturing scale data to deliver a better understanding of our cell lines to enhance ‘right first time’ cell line selection and process transfer.

  • Contribute to our End-to-End Biopha r m vision through collaboration with our wider drug discovery and process groups to leverage upstream platform information for improved process performance.

  • Contribute to wider automation, data analysis and bioinformatic work packages within BPR to support our End-to-End Biopharm capability .

  In this role you will:

  • Manage team of ~ 8 FTE in Upstream Process Research a ctively provid ing ongoing career development for team members. Manage team performance to ensure delivery to expectations and objectives; guide the professional growth of team members by providing personal guidance and training relative to responsibilities.

  • As part of BPR Leadership Team, s erve as upstream process development group leader overseeing planning, execution and project delivery in a fast-paced environment. Create work plans within upstream team to manage portfolio load , resources and equipment.

  • Determine areas for gaining efficiency, coordinat ing with individual groups to ensure harmonized implementation of best practices.

  • Support innovation and development of upstream process technologies across bDSD that can result in significant increases in efficiency and process understanding.

  • Operate within a cross-functional project team environment and coordinate efforts with all relevant internal functional areas across Medicine Development & Supply (MDS)

  Why you?

  Basic Qualifications:

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

  • PhD/MSc in Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences (preferably Biologics), or related field, with at least 5 years’ experience of leading in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry .

  • Strong knowledge of cell culture techniques and platforms, including bioreactors, scale/up-down models, perfusion, media development

  • Track record of design, execution, and analysis of work packages to meet fast-paced portfolio delivery requirements. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, experimental design and data analysis principles to derive quality results in a timely fashion.

  • Early or late-process development experience. Proven experience of process transfer to upstream manufacturing teams.

  • Strong project management skills, able to organise and manage multiple complex projects and focus team on delivery of what’s critical.

  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. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the world in the next 10 years.

  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.

  Find out more:

  Annual Report 2021

  Closing Date for Applications: Monday 20 th February 2023 (COB)

  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.

  
  During the course of your application, you will be requested to complete voluntary information which will be used in monitoring the effectiveness of our equality and diversity policies. Your information will be treated as confidential and will not be used in any part of the selection process. If you require a reasonable adjustment to the application / selection process to enable you to demonstrate your ability to perform the job requirements, please contact 0808 234 4391. This will help us to understand any modifications we may need to make to support you throughout our selection process.

  *LI-GSK

  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. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030.

  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 workplace where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and thrive as set out in our Equal and Inclusive Treatment of Employees policy. We’re committed to being more proactive at all levels so that our workforce reflects the communities we work and hire in, and our GSK leadership reflects our GSK workforce.

  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 Ukdiversity.recruitment@gsk.com or 0808 234 4391. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels

  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.

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• About the company

  GlaxoSmithKline plc is a British multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Brentford, England.

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