Scientist, Upstream – mRNA Drug Substance

The Cell and Viral Drug Substance team within the GSK Vaccine’s Technical Research and Development organization, has as a mission to develop the next generation mRNA vaccine platforms for rapid development of new vaccine candidates.

We are looking for a motivated scientist with a strong background in nucleic acid to research join the mRNA drug substance Development Unit and be part of the integration of an external partner Drug Substance platform process for clinical & commercial manufacturing of mRNA. Located in Rixensart, Belgium, the position will play a significant role in shaping current and next generation GSK’s leading mRNA vaccine platforms to accelerate addressing unmet medical needs, an exciting field having a direct impact into patients and global health. This role provides the opportunity to integrate a diverse group of top talented experts in vaccines’ industry, lead key activities and further grow and progress in your career.

Your responsibilities:

• Internalization of a pre-established upstream mRNA vaccine platform from an external partner and mature its robustness, scalability, and characterization for late phase CMC development and commercial manufacturing

• Key contributor to designing, driving and executing hands on the generation of stage-appropriate data and documentation packages for regulatory submissions using QbD principles (Technical risk assessments, process characterization, etc)

• Hands on development work as required according to platform evolution

• Contribute to building the mRNA platform documentation and workflows, and integration within the upstream, analytical and other transversal teams within the global platform

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

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

• PhD in bio-engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or equivalent or a Master in bio-engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or equivalent.

• A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in gene therapies or specifically mRNA-based vaccines or therapeutics.

• Two or more years of experience in research and development in Biopharmaceutical industry or government laboratory setting is a must.

• Excel at complex problem solving through critical thinking using knowledge gained through formal education, experience, and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Experience with Quality by Design and development of process for manufacturing of large biomolecules, specifically large size mRNA.

• Experience with large-scale DNA and RNA synthesis.

• Experience and understanding of nucleic acid analytical technologies.