Head of Target Validation
GSK
Reporting to the VP of Human Biology, the Head of Target Validation is responsible for leading the global Target Validation group within the Target Discovery Department. This team is responsible for designing and executing in vitro biology studies to validate novel targets from functional genomics based approaches linking target modulation to a disease phenotype. This team works in partnership with chemical biology, drug discovery platform teams and the research units to generate target data packages to support C2TV and C2T decisions for our priority disease areas, including respiratory, hepatology, neurodegeneration, oncology, renal and infectious diseases.
Responsibilities
Leading and managing the global target validation team: Developing strategies, setting objectives, and fostering a collaborative environment.
Driving validation studies: Designing and overseeing experiments using various cellular and complex in-vitro models (including genetic and pharmacological tools) to establish the link between target modulation and disease phenotype.
Integrating diverse data: Incorporating insights from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, tractability, bioinformatics, and other systems biology approaches to build a strong scientific rationale for target selection.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams: Working closely with target identification, translational models, ‘omics, drug discovery, bioinformatics, and therapy area teams to ensure seamless progression of validated targets into drug discovery programs.
Development of People: Responsible for hiring, developing and retaining outstanding talent
Fostering external partnerships: Establishing collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external entities to leverage expertise and technologies.
Staying at the forefront of scientific advancements: Keeping up to date with new trends, technologies, and scientific developments in the field of translational models and validation
Operational Delivery: Establishing ways of working and overseeing project plans, timelines, resources, and risk management to ensure projects are delivered efficiently.
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular biology, biology, genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry
- Extensive experience in drug target discovery, with a proven track record of advancing novel therapeutic targets into drug discovery.
- Proven expertise in target validation methodologies such as cellular assays, complex in vitro models, CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi, proteomics, and high-content screening.
- Demonstrated people leadership experience with the proven ability to build and lead large high performing teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in leadership, communication, and project management, with involvement in designing and implementing systems and strategies for target validation programs.
- Demonstrated understanding of disease biology related to respiratory, hepatology, neurodegeneration, oncology, renal, and infectious diseases.
- Proficiency in the design and execution of validation studies using in vitro models.
- Expertise in integration of bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to identify and prioritize drug targets.
- Experienced in leading leaders and directing activities of a large team; able to provide vision and direction to inspire and motivate a multidisciplinary team to deliver
- Experience in contributing to strategic and operational decision making at enterprise level, with confidence to influence senior leaders
- Outstanding written/verbal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work in the matrix and effectively collaborate with internal and external groups
Please visit GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.
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.
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