Biological & Biomedical Sciences (Multiple Roles) Industrial Placement, UK 2025

GSK

9d ago

Internship
Full-time
Placement Program
Research & Development
25d left

AI generated summary

You must be studying an Undergraduate Degree in Life Sciences, have completed 2 years, be enrolled in a UK/ROI university, and be fluent in English. No postgraduates eligible.
You will conduct experiments in cell culture, gene editing, and immunoassays, analyze data, collaborate across teams, and present findings while developing essential scientific skills.

Requirements

Education required:
To apply for this placement, you must be:
Currently studying an Undergraduate Degree in Life Sciences, including but not limited to: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology, Genetics, Physiology, Microbiology or Computational Biology, Material Science, etc
Please read the degree requirements for each role carefully before applying.
Other requirements:
You will have completed a minimum of 2 years of your undergraduate degree but will not have graduated at the start of your placement.
You must be enrolled at a UK (United Kingdom) or ROI (Republic of Ireland) University for the duration of your placement.
If you have already graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree and are currently studying a postgraduate Masters, you are not eligible for this programme.
Language requirement:
Written and spoken fluency in English
Degree requirements – Biochemistry, Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioinformatics and related courses
Degree requirements – Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology or equivalent

Responsibilities

Key Placement Activities
Human and mouse primary cell isolation / primary and cell line culture
Immune cell phenotyping through flow cytometry
Immunoassays (ELISA and MSD) and biochemical assays
Transcriptomic analysis by qPCR
Gene editing via CRISPR
Assay design, development and use across the RIBU portfolio
Designing and conducting experiments, documenting, and reporting and presenting your scientific findings
Conducting literature reviews
Key area 1 – Complex In-Vitro Models: Application of advanced humanised cellular models with microfluidics such as organ-on-a-chip platforms and organoids
Key area 2 – Genome Biology and Gene Editing: Application of gene perturbation at scale to discover and characterize novel therapeutic targets
Key area 3 – Application of high-throughput genomics and transcriptomics to support programme efforts
CRISPR genome editing
Cloning/construct generation
Lentiviral vector production and high content image analysis
Individual project driven by student, generating data to contribute to program progression or the implementation of new technologies
Analyse data to determine the next experimental steps
Screening against safety liabilities for progression of multiple programs and reducing attrition
Regular journal clubs to learn how to analyse and write journal articles
Attend meetings and present progression and contributions
Cross department awareness days to learn about other parts of the business
Designing, planning, and conducting experiments to answer specific objectives or hypotheses
Critical assessment and interpretation of data
The importance of collecting and documenting experimental methods and results carefully
Running in vitro experiments and measuring toxicity using a range of multiparametric plate-reader assays, transcriptomics, DNA sequencing, bioenergetic assays
In vitro cell culture - working with cell lines and primary cells or bacterial and mammalian cell/tissue culture, microscopy, flow cytometry or image analysis
Writing up experiments in laboratory notebooks to aid current and future projects with decision making regarding the development of compounds
Assist in the design, development, optimisation, and validation of new flow cytometry panels for immunophenotyping, cytokine production, rare cell identification, target engagement and/or receptor occupancy
Work with both conventional and spectral flow cytometers within multiple disease areas spanning the entire GSK portfolio, as well as develop extensive wet lab and analytical skills
Plan, execute, and interpret scientific, present results and collaborate with other scientists within Precision Medicine
Immunoassay platforms such as Gyrolab, MSD, ELISA and HD-X
Working across multiple disease areas, such as oncology, respiratory and immuno-inflammation
Developing and validating methods for the measurement/characterization of drug and soluble proteins in biological samples (pre-clinical or clinical)
Routine analysis of drugs (bioanalysis/pharmacokinetics) and soluble proteins (biomarkers/pharmacodynamics) in biological matrices to applicable standards using defined analytical methods
Processing and evaluating data using appropriate software
Author reports summarising data generated during routine analysis
Operating advanced automated equipment such as analytical instruments, multifunctional platforms, and liquid handlers
Organizing, conducting, and reporting on project work experiments
Producing high-quality results within set timelines and contributing to the evaluation and interpretation of experimental data
Teamwork and flexibility, making it an ideal opportunity for those eager to gain experience in a multi-disciplinary department
Regular interaction with other groups within GSK R&D at Stevenage and the USA
Playing a vital role in employing, optimising, and developing automated workflows to expedite drug development processes
Design, execute, and interpret experiments in the field of targeted protein degradation and proximity induced pharmacology
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance the understanding of protein degradation pathways and their therapeutic applications
Utilize state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to identify and validate novel targets
Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records, analyse data, and present findings to the research team
Contribute to the drafting of research publications and patents
Gain knowledge in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and chemical biology, especially in the areas of proximity inducing modalities and antibody drug conjugates
Build enzyme panels using molecular biological techniques to clone and engineer enzyme candidates
Develop and optimise expression of recombinant enzymes on a variety of scale
Apply lab automation to facilitate high throughput experimentation
Develop assays for detection of enzyme activities using UPLC, GC, LCMS, or other techniques
Generate, curate, and interrogate large datasets
Gain a deeper understanding of biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and their real-world applications
Presenting at team meetings, engaging in collaborative projects, and overseeing experimental processes
Contribute to flow cytometry and immunoassay workflows and develop expertise in these areas
Work across multiple disease areas, such as oncology, respiratory and immuno-inflammation
Develop and validate methods to support in house flow cytometry and immunoassay scientists with automated liquid handlers
Develop coding expertise to program complex robots
Use and maintain multiple instrument platforms
Mammalian cell culture work
Bioreactor work
Cell culture purification
Transfection
Single cell sorting
Chromatography
Design and production of vectors using a range of molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques (gene cloning, DNA sequencing, PCR)
Expression of proteins and antibodies using bacterial and mammalian cell culture systems (e.coli, HEK transient, CHO stable)
Purification of proteins/antibodies using appropriate chromatographic techniques in conjunction with programmable purification platforms (affinity, ion-exchange, size exclusion chromatography)
Characterisation of proteins/antibodies using state-of-the-art analytical tools (mass spectroscopy, electrophoresis, reversed phase chromatography)
Development of automated methods for high throughput expression and purification of proteins/antibodies
Develop scientific writing and presentation skills
Gain experience in data analysis
Build on existing understanding and interest of Molecular Biology; Cell Biology; Immunology or Protein Biochemistry
Cell culture, cell viability assays, flow cytometry, molecular biology and ELISAs
Develop scientific research and professional skills, e.g. experimental design, experimental record keeping, data analysis, reporting and presentation skills
Gain a deeper understanding of tumour biology, T-cell function, targeting modalities and the immuno-oncology landscape
Deliver a research project aligned with our department goals
Perform experiments in our cell and molecular biology laboratory
Learn data analysis methods and present experimental results within biology meetings and departmental meetings, with opportunities to present to a larger audience
Expansion of patient-derived organoids alone or in coculture with fibroblasts
Cytotoxicity assay on patient-derived organoids alone or in coculture with fibroblasts
Isolation of exosomes from patient-derived organoids and analysis of their protein content
Spatial omics analysis on patient derived tissue explant
Performing patient-derived organoids quality control steps (such as cell density, proliferation rate evaluation)
Immunofluorescence-based imaging assays including wide-field imaging and confocal microscopy
Operating and scripting advanced automated equipment such as liquid handlers, multifunctional platforms, and analytical instruments
Employing, optimising, and developing automated workflows to expedite drug development processes
Close collaboration with scientists from various departments, offering exposure to a multidisciplinary environment
Comprehensive training in essential analytical techniques and processes
Playing a role in producing high-quality results within set timelines and contributing to the evaluation and interpretation of experimental data or new instruments
To provide support for projects using the capabilities and technologies within the Spatial Multiplexing Team
Learn spatial transcriptomic and proteomics quality control of samples and full assay workflow
Project scoping and planning
Building relationships with diverse matrix teams supporting project delivery
Sectioning, RNA extraction, slide staining and image acquisition

FAQs

What education is required to apply for this placement?

You must be currently studying an Undergraduate Degree in Life Sciences, including but not limited to: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology, Genetics, Physiology, Microbiology, or Computational Biology.

How many years of my undergraduate degree should I have completed?

You must have completed a minimum of 2 years of your undergraduate degree but must not have graduated at the start of your placement.

Can I apply if I am studying a postgraduate Master's degree?

No, if you have already graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree and are currently studying a postgraduate Masters, you are not eligible for this programme.

What is the expected start date for the placement?

The expected start date for the placement is September 2025.

How long is the duration of the placement?

The duration of the placement is approximately 1 year.

What is the salary for this placement?

The salary is £24,700 plus a bonus.

When does the application close?

The closing date for applications is 9th October 2024. Early applications are encouraged as candidates will be reviewed regularly.

What roles are available within this placement?

There are 17 roles available within the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Industrial Placement.

What skills can I expect to learn during this placement?

Typical skills include teamworking, communication (written & verbal), time management, problem-solving, networking, data analysis and management, and technical skills related to each specific role.

Will I have the opportunity to network with other students?

Yes, once you accept your offer, you will be invited to join LinkedIn groups and pre-joining webinars to connect and network with new students as well as join GSK’s community of students across various sites.

Is there a language requirement for this position?

Yes, written and spoken fluency in English is required.

What are the recruitment stages for this placement?

The recruitment stages include 1) Eligibility Form, 2) World of GSK Online Assessment, 3) Written Assessment, and 4) Virtual Assessment Centre or Virtual Interview.

Where is the placement located?

The placement is located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK.

What types of scientific activities will I be involved in?

Activities may include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, running immunoassays, cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and more, depending on the specific role taken.

Are there opportunities for professional development during the placement?

Yes, you will gain valuable experience, receive training, and potentially contribute to publications and presentations.

Are there any opportunities for diversity and inclusion within GSK?

Yes, GSK is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all talent is welcomed, and they work to ensure that everyone feels inspired and included.

GSK

Science & Healthcare

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

GSK, or GlaxoSmithKline, is a company that operates in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. They are involved in researching, developing, manufacturing, and selling a wide range of prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. GSK's ultimate aim is to improve the quality of human life by providing innovative and effective healthcare solutions to people worldwide. Their commitment lies in focusing on scientific excellence, developing cutting-edge medicines and vaccines, and addressing global health challenges to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Benefits

A competitive base salary
An annual bonus based on company performance
Access to healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, savings programmes, time off and childcare support
Employee recognition programmes that reward exceptional achievements