Biological Sciences Industrial Placement Stevenage 2024

Are you looking to gain valuable real world work experience and help positively impact the lives of others?

A GSK internship offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career – to take on a real role with genuine impact. You’ll take on challenging tasks within live projects or assignments. You’ll also get to learn from others in your team and other parts of GSK whilst developing your skills and gaining valuable experience for wherever the future takes you.

Our approach to R&D focuses on science related to the prevention and treatment of disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on science of the immune system, human genetics and advanced technologies to impact health at scale. Our pipeline currently comprises of more than 60 vaccines and medicines across four core therapeutic areas including oncology, infectious diseases, immunology / respiratory and HIV. Find out more: Our approach to R&D

The roles

Please read below about the 10 different positions we are recruiting for across our various Biological sciences Industrial Placements. Please note, these are distinct placements and so when you apply you will be able to select 5 preferences of where you would like to be placed if successful. We will accommodate your preference where possible.

Role 1: In vivo Bioimaging

This bespoke role will be within the in vivo Bioimaging group based in Stevenage and offers a large variety of opportunities to gain an insight into multiple therapeutic areas that align with the company strategy, as well as supporting key functions within the research and development (R&D) process.

The in vivo Bioimaging department uses several non-invasive imaging modalities (such as magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], computerised tomography [CT] and in vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence), all of which play an important role in the different aspects of the discovery and development process, such as lead identification, optimisation and the understanding of safety of our molecules.

Core tasks involved in this role include liaising with scientists across R&D groups, organising all aspects of imaging studies from performing routine imaging to processing, interpreting, and presenting data to project teams. In addition, there may be opportunity to gain practical experience of animal procedures during the placement. Further opportunities may also exist to gain experience in other functional areas within the wider Bioimaging department, that may include other groups within Bioimaging.

The successful applicant would be given an exciting opportunity to develop a varied skill set in this unique role. This can then be applied to an assigned independent project, as well as gaining experience of working in a diverse research environment.

Role 2: Novel Human Genetics

The Novel Human Genetics Research Unit is based at the Stevenage research and development hub and is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of passionate scientists who are striving to develop novel medications for the health challenges facing the world of today and the future.

We utilise expansive genetic data sets to direct our efforts, with the knowledge that having genetically-validated drug targets increases the chance of success in the clinic and ultimately in delivering medicines to the patients that need them. The unit is responsible for progressing drug discovery programmes from target identification all the way through to Phase I clinical trials; incorporating target validation, lead discovery, lead optimisation, pharmacokinetics and biomarker strategy.

As an Industrial Placement student within the research unit you will be:

• Fully integrated into the field of drug discovery, with exposure to areas and departments throughout the company.
• Working within state-of-the-art labs at Stevenage, conducting experiments and contributing to our key programmes under the supervision of dedicated and experienced scientific leaders.
• Comprehensively trained in a range of lab techniques (such as cell culture, CRISPR, molecular biology techniques, pharmacology studies and protein analysis) in addition to scientific writing and communication skills.
• Playing an integral role within the department, developing networks, and learning about the pharmaceutical industry along the way.

We are looking for enthusiastic and conscientious young scientists for this role and if you think that this could be you, we encourage you to apply. We wish you luck and hope to meet you in the near future.

Role 3: Immunology Toxicology

Increasingly, new medicines for a diverse range of diseases are designed to act by modulating the immune system, bringing significant benefits to patients. GSK has made a specific commitment to developing novel medicines with immune-mediated mechanisms-of-action, to treat cancer, infectious diseases, and diseases with inflammatory and/or autoimmune components. Alongside the exciting opportunities that immune-mediated therapies present, there is an important need to identify and understand any potential undesirable effects of our drug candidates on the immune system, in order to maximise the opportunities for therapeutic immuno-modulation while protecting patients from immune-related drug toxicities.

GSK’s Immunological Toxicology team are a group of immunologists who support drug development across the business by providing vital immune safety data to enable the selection and development of medicines with favourable immune-related benefit-risk profiles. We are looking for a hard-working, ambitious and intellectually curious IP student to join us. The successful candidate will gain insights into experimental non-clinical safety assessment relating to immunological toxicology, as well as broader experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry. You will learn in vitro techniques such as isolation of immune cells from blood, cell culture, ELISA/MSD, and multi-colour flow cytometry. There will be many opportunities to build transferable skills such as by giving presentations. If you are interested in immunology, safety assessment and drug discovery/development then we look forward to hearing from you!

Role 4: Immunology Research Unit

You will be based within a state-of-the-art collaborative research lab, working within a multidisciplinary team where the research you conduct will support an active drug discovery program. We offer an outstanding training program where you will experience a range of laboratory techniques that are applicable to modern drug discovery such as human and mouse primary cell isolation, cytokine & immune cell profiling through flow cytometry, ELISA and MSD, transcriptomic analysis by qPCR, gene editing via CRISPR and many others. By the end of the placement, you will have gained sufficient experience to be autonomous in designing and conducting experiments, documenting and reporting your scientific findings and understanding how a large multidisciplinary team interacts. You will be able to drive the direction of your project, conduct literature reviews and determine how your results fit in with the ‘big picture’.

Our Research Unit consists of multiple large groups currently hiring for a total of 10 IP positions. Their main focus includes:

• T Cell Immunology: Harnessing Regulatory Cell Biology via T cell and antigen presenting cell approaches
• Barrier Restitution and Immunity: Restoration of barrier function including mechanisms such as autophagy
• Immune Cell Communication: Modulating myeloid cytokine : cell interactions to restore tissue homeostasis and alleviate pain
• B Cell Immunology: Targeted resetting of immune cell dysfunction and transcription, with a focus on B cells
• Experimental Quantitative Pharmacology: Mechanistic in vivo immunology expertise and generation of translational models to inform clinical dose

Role 5: Biopharm Process Research

Biopharm Process Research (BPR) is dedicated to de-risking and accelerating GSKs portfolio of biopharmaceuticals from Discovery Research into Clinical Manufacture. By applying state of the art bioprocessing technology, BPR screens candidate molecules for ‘manufacturability’ and quality prior to transfer to late-stage development & clinical manufacturing. The scope of our projects covers a broad range of technology areas and allows for regular interaction with other groups within GSK R&D at Stevenage and in Upper Merion, USA.

As part of our continuous improvement of our manufacturing platform, the successful students will be deployed across the department to evaluate and embed new technologies or data solutions to improve our ways of working and our scientific output. The successful candidate will be required to generate high quality results within agreed timelines and be able to participate in the evaluation and interpretation of experimental data. The ability to work flexibly and collaboratively in a team environment is required and is ideally suited to a person who is keen to gain experience in a multi-disciplinary department delivering next generation medicines to patients. The student should be an enthusiastic team player, be keen to learn, have good communication and organisational skills and a proactive attitude.

Role 6: Tumour Cell Targeting (TCT) Research Unit

The Tumour Cell Targeting (TCT) Research Unit aims to develop effective cancer therapies by focussing on cancer-specific biology and delivery. Whilst different drug modalities are being evaluated, our group has a specific interest in bispecific T-cell engagers. These engineered antibodies aim to treat cancer patients by enhancing the ability of the patients own immune cells to specifically target and kill tumour cells. The TCT Research Unit is responsible for T-cell engager programmes from an early stage and progression through drug discovery. This includes constant evaluation of new tumour cell targets and novel technologies to enhance efficacy in patients with solid tumours.

Our unit comprises scientists from a range of scientific backgrounds and experience, and we have successfully hosted many students. We welcome highly motivated and enthusiastic students, preferably with an interest in oncology and/or immunology. Throughout the placement a deeper understanding of immunology, T-cell function and tumour biology will be gained, making the positions of interest for those with career aspirations in an Oncology field.

You will have an aptitude for practical work, be able to work accurately and methodically, possess good communication skills and display a keen interest in expanding your skills. With full training and support, practical experience likely to be gained will include: primary and engineered cell culture; cell viability and cytokine assays; flow cytometry, molecular biology and cell imaging. You will also develop your broader scientific research and professional skills within this environment, e.g. experimental design, accurate experimental record keeping, data analysis, reporting and presentation skills.

Role 7: Genome Biology and Omics Sciences

We are seeking motivated students to join the Genome Biology and Omics Sciences groups at GSK in Stevenage. The roles comprise of several disciplines that provide the deep scientific knowledge required to discover and validate potential novel therapeutic targets through the application of high throughput genome editing and endophenotyping in human cellular models.
Students would be primarily aligned to one of two key areas; although opportunities for cross-disciplinary training may be expected as required by role. Please indicate your preference in your application.

Key area 1 – Translational In-Vitro Models : The application of advanced cellular models to support programme efforts. Daily tasks can include:

• The maintenance and use of human cell culture systems to support cell-based screening assays (stem cells, primary cells, organoids etc.).
• Use of biochemical assays, immunoassays, flow cytometry, image cytometry, lab automation and high content image analysis
• Genome editing procedures in any of these cellular systems.

Key area 2 – Gene Editing and Genomics: The application of gene editing, genomics and transcriptomics to support programme efforts. Daily tasks can include:

• Cloning/construct generation, lentiviral vector production.
• CRISPR genome editing, transfections, sequencing, flow cytometry.
• Preparing samples to be assayed with broad range of genomics methods (e.g. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Single Cell transcriptomics)
• Design and implementation of genomics and transcriptomics experiments

Working in our state-of-the art Stevenage R&D facility, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire and apply a range of new transferable skills in a matrix/team-based working environment as part of real, ongoing drug discovery projects.

Role 8: New Chemical Entity (NCE) Molecular Discovery

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals with passion and flair for practical work to support our current efforts in drug discovery. During your placement you will receive training within our state-of-the-art facilities in Stevenage. We offer exposure to a range of practical research techniques including advanced robotics technology; automated electrophysiology; high content imaging; mass spectrometry; in vitro pharmacology & enzymology, with an aim to deliver key biological assay data. Successful applicants will be supported within multi-disciplinary teams where they will: contribute directly to active drug discovery projects; participate in day to day laboratory activities; analyse and interpret their data; complete research project as per University / College requirements.

Role 9: Biopharm Discovery

At GSK we believe that Biopharm medicines are key to achieving our ambitions in immuno-oncology and immunologically driven diseases. We are growing our UK-based Biopharm team focussed on Medicines Discovery, using cutting edge technologies to bring medicines of the future faster to patients.

GSK has a thriving team of Biopharmaceutical scientists across discovery, development and manufacturing and we are building a state-of-the-art end to end Biopharm capability which delivers efficient discovery of antibody molecules that are selected and engineered for rapid development. Together with our therapy area partners, GSK Biopharm are discovering, developing, and manufacturing novel medicines to benefit patients around the globe.

Within the Discovery department there are several vacancies for industrial placement students. These vacancies are ideally suited to undergraduate science students keen on exploring and developing a lab-based scientific career in an exciting and fast-paced environment using cutting edge science. You should be an enthusiastic team player, communicative, self-motivated and have some experience in laboratory science. Ideal applicants will have some prior understanding and a desire to develop their careers and skills further in at least one of the following specialities: Molecular Biology; Cell Biology; Immunology or Protein Biochemistry. You will be offered a role to complement your academic studies and training in all laboratory techniques. You will gain an excellent understanding of the drug discovery process in a variety of scientific areas and invaluable experience working in a strong team environment within a state-of-the-art and world-leading R&D Facility.

Role 10: Protein and Cellular sciences

Protein and Cellular Sciences (PCS) is an early stage drug discovery department within GSK, which uses advanced technologies to generate and validate protein and cell-based reagents in support of both small molecule and biopharmaceutical programs.

Vectors are designed and produced using a range of molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques (gene cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR), and expression carried out using bacterial and mammalian cell culture systems (e.coli, HEK transient, CHO stable). Proteins are purified using appropriate chromatographic techniques in conjunction with programmable purification platforms (affinity, ion-exchange, size exclusion chromatography), and characterised using state-of-the-art analytical tools (mass spectroscopy, electrophoresis, reversed phase chromatography).

We are seeking to recruit undergraduate students with both an enthusiasm for protein biochemistry and cell biology, and an aptitude for practical work. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse variety of innovative research projects ongoing within the group, and to acquire extensive practical experience of many laboratory techniques commonly in use throughout the biochemical and pharmaceutical industry. The placement will also provide a valuable opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the drug discovery process within an industrial environment.

What do we offer you?

• Salary of £21,400, plus a bonus
• Access to GSK resources, including employee assistance programmes, private healthcare and well-being programs.
• On-the-job experience, training and development, delivered through a mixture of coaching and mentoring
• A GSK placement which gives you the opportunity to take on a real role with genuine impact
• You will join IPUnite, GSK’s community of over 250 students across all UK sites and business areas, run by the Industrial Placement students committee
• Once you accept your offer you will be invited to join LinkedIn groups and pre-joining webinars, to enable you to connect and network with new students