Want to know if this job is worth applying to?
Stevenage, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
Business Introduction
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
For candidates seeking to be located at our Stevenage site, this role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge, UK . The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge, UK]in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.
Job Purpose
We are seeking a Principal Scientist to provide expert scientific and technical contribution, to the modernisation and evolution of discovery Analytical Chemistry platforms supporting developing and complex therapeutic modalities.
This role supports the evolution of the current analytical LCMS platform capability beyond the current small-molecule portfolio, contributing to robust, scalable, and future-proof LCMS analysis of divalent small molecules, drug conjugates including Warhead Linker Payloads for Antibody Drug Conjugates (WLPs for ADCs), peptides and oligonucleotides.
The position plays an important role in ensuring analytical platforms are positioned to meet near-term pipeline demands, while maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on mass spectrometry specialist, combining deep technical expertise in LC-MS/HRMS with a good working knowledge of platform-level analytical strategy. Through hands-on method development, troubleshooting, and application of mass spectrometry and complementary chromatographic techniques - alongside contributions to modernisation existing capabilities and introducing new technologies to our automation platform for conjugation chemistry - this role will shape the future of analytical platform delivery for emerging modalities.
This is a Scientific role at G7 grade and will require close working relationships across chemistry, modality, informatics, automation, and technology organisations. Success will depend on strong technical delivery, sound scientific judgement, and the ability to work effectively and influence colleagues across multiple teams. The role will require full-time on-site presence.
Key Responsibilities
Mass Spectrometry & Platform Technical Delivery
Serve as a hands-on expert in mass spectrometry (LC-MS, HRMS, and related techniques), delivering high-quality analytical data and method development support for small molecule and next-generation modalities, including divalent small molecules, WLPs, and oligonucleotides.
Develop, optimise, and troubleshoot mass spectrometry methods to support platform capability, ensuring robust, reproducible, and high-quality data.
Contribute technical input into platform modernisation, including evaluation of new mass spectrometry instrumentation, technologies, and workflows.
Scientific & Technical Contribution
Provide expert analytical input on complex mass spectrometry challenges, supporting method development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
Apply strong scientific judgement to ensure robustness, reproducibility, and data quality in day-to-day analytical work.
Act as a technical resource and point of contact for mass spectrometry-related queries
High-Throughput & Workflow Support
Support the integration of high-throughput purification and analytical workflows, with particular focus on mass-spectrometry-based analysis, to enable efficient end-to-end support of emerging modality pipelines.
Work closely with colleagues in purification, informatics, and automation to ensure smooth operation and continuous improvement of analytical workflows.
Contribute ideas to improve platform throughput, data quality, and downstream usability.
Collaboration & Communication
Work collaboratively with colleagues in Discovery Chemistry, Modality teams, Informatics, Automation, and external collaborators to deliver analytical support aligned with business priorities.
Communicate mass spectrometry data, platform capability, and limitations clearly to scientific and functional stakeholders.
Support translation of technical findings into clear updates for project-level decision-making.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
Ensure mass spectrometry and analytical work meets high standards of quality, safety, and compliance, consistent with organisational and regulatory expectations.
Contribute to team discussions on prioritisation and risk assessment for analytical platform activities.
Drive continuous improvement in mass spectrometry methods and workflows using data-led insight and lessons learned.
Basic Qualifications & Skills
BSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with several years of postgraduate experience in analytical chemistry and strong hands-on mass spectrometry experience.
Demonstrable expertise in mass spectrometry techniques (e.g. LC-MS, HRMS) and familiarity with associated analytical techniques relevant to modern drug modalities, including advanced separations and high-throughput/automated analysis.
Experience supporting analytical platforms for new modalities, including exposure to at least one of bifunctional molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides or WLPs for ADCs.
Strong scientific judgement and hands-on problem-solving skills in the laboratory.
Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and teams.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or MSc with relevant experience, with a strong mass spectrometry focus.
Hands-on experience supporting complex or emerging modalities such as divalent molecules, peptides WLPs, and oligonucleotides.
Exposure to platform-level analytical strategy or capability planning.
Experience contributing to cross-functional improvements spanning science, informatics, and technology.
How to apply
If this role speaks to you, please apply now. In your application, use the cover letter or CV to describe how your experience meets the requirements. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Application close date - 27/08/2026
Skills
Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Laboratory, Analytical Thinking, Automation Technology, Bioprocessing, Chemical Processes, Data Analysis Tools, Dosage Forms, Drug Development, Matrix Leadership, Method Development, Technical Problem-Solving
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.
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.
Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com where you can also request a call.
Please note should your enquiry 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 link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive
Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies
GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.
Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/