Job Purpose:

As an Scientist specialized in the upstream/fermentation field, you will join a team of experts focusing on antigen process development for new vaccine candidates from Phase I up to commercial launch. You will also be involved in Life Cycle activities for process improvements in the commercial vaccine portfolio.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Development Unit 3 within the Microbila Drug Substance department in Belgium, which is part of the Global Drug Substance organization in Technical R&D (TRD).

Your Responsibilities:
• You will be expected to lead autonomously the development of bacterial or yeast based fermentation of antigens (proteins, polysaccharides, Toxins) , driving implementation of latest industry trends and state-of-the-art technologies into current manufacturing processoxinses, identifying and promoting opportunities for improvements aiming for scalable, high efficiency, robust, and cost-effective manufacturing processes with reduced-footprint

• You will be expected to have strong project management skills and perform timeline and resource planning estimations, design development strategies, plan experimental protocols, lead horizontally a team of technicians and operators to execute them, having a strong presence in the lab to ensure best practices, compliance with documentation practices and EHS standards

• You will be expected to follow the Quality by Design approach to process development, leading multi-disciplinary Technical Risk Assessments and ensuring to meet all documentation deliverables required at each of the project stage gates

• You will be expected to support the Development Unit Head in bringing the team (both in your own development unit as well as in the others across the department) to the next level in technical knowledge and best practices, proactively promoting initiatives

• You will ensure a strong interface and knowledge sharing with, Manufacturing Science and Technology, manufacturing strategy, site management, Process Science, and engineering departments for building related activities such as revamping, scaling-up or tech transfer to new facilities.

• You will work very closely with the Scale-up team from the development stages to ensure smooth transition throughout the scales required at the different project phases,

• You will closely collaborate with the In-Process Analytical organization (IPA) to develop IPA strategy and implement IPA testings as fit for upstream processes.

• You will build strong relationships and a collaborative network with the DS organizations in Italy and US aimed at increasing sharing and learning, better decision making, stimulating people development and pushing top science & technology throughout the network.

• You will be expected to write and review project reports including process history files, process development reports, etc

Why You?
Basic qualifications:
•Master in bio-engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or equivalent.

•You already have a first experience in Upstream Drug Substance Development and/or Manufacturing in biopharma/ biotech industry.

•You are motivated by process development from flask to pilot scale fermentor. You can act as a leader both in the lab and management of a small team technician You have a deep interest in technical aspects of the job and you are willing to participate actively on the shopfloor.
• You are knowledgeable in process development of recombinant proteins and viral vaccines based on different type of Hosts.
• You have basic understanding of and statistical approach and models of development as well as Quality by Design

•Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment

• Ability to embrace changes positively and adapt.

• Strong communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, take initiative, and lead autonomously

• Imprinted with a desire for excellence.

• Optimistic and open-minded.

• Fluent in spoken and written English scientifically/technically as well as conversational are a MUST.

• Being able to communicate in French or willing to learn.

Preferred qualifications:
• Ideally a first experience in fermentation or cell culture in research or manufacturing, particularly in bacteria and yeasts expression systems.
• A good understanding of clinical and commercial Manufacturing processes and Manufacturing constraints.
• A good understanding and knowledge of process industrialization methods..
• Understanding in continuous manufacturing, Systems Biology (-omics), big data, multivariate analysis, predictive analytics and modelling approaches.

#Li-GSK

If you have a disability and require assistance during the course of the selection process, you will have the opportunity to let us know what specific assistance you require in order to make suitable arrangements.

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. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

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.

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