Head of Target Identification

GlaxoSmithKline

  • Stevenage, Hertfordshire
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 20 days ago
Reporting to the VP of Human Biology, the Head of Target Identification is responsible for leading the global Target Identification group within the Target Discovery Department. This team is responsible for designing and executing functional and chemogenomic studies to identify and qualify novel targets for further investigation in target validation studies in GSK’s priority disease areas, including respiratory, hepatology, neurodegeneration, oncology, renal and infectious diseases.ResponsibilitiesLeading and managing the global target identification team: Developing strategies, setting objectives, and fostering a collaborative environment.Design and execution of target identification campaigns: Developing and delivering functional genomic screens using both arrayed and pooled CRISPR screening methods.Collaboration with the AI/ML and Computational Biology in the generation and biological interpretation of CRISPR screening and multi-omics datasets.Develop data pipelines: In partnership with data and predictive sciences build and improve data pipelines to enable efficient data processing and pipelining.Development of CRISPR screening technologies: Evaluation and development of novel screening CRISPR screening approaches to ensure that GSK stays at the forefront of scientific advancements.Design and execute chemogenomic studies: Collaboration with Chemical Biology to design and execute chemogenomic studies at screening scaleCollaborating with cross-functional teams: Working closely with translational models, ‘omics, target validation teams to progress qualified targets into target validation studies.Development of People: Responsible for hiring, developing and retaining outstanding talentFostering external partnerships: Establishing collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external entities to leverage expertise and technologies.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, or related field with a strong background in target identification and functional genomic screening.
  • 10+ years experience in high throughput cellular screening
  • Proven expertise in target identification methodologies such as cellular assays, complex in vitro models, CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi or high-content screening.
  • Previous people leadership experience with the proven ability to build and lead high performing teams
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in the design and execution of CRISPR functional genomic screens and the screening technologies needed to enable these at scale.
  • Extensive experience in developing and optimizing cell-based assays for high-throughput screening.
  • Expertise in integration of screening data with bioinformatics and genomic data approaches to identify and prioritize drug targets.
  • Demonstrated the ability to identify and drive innovation in functional genomic screening.
  • 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.
  • Experience of applying automated solutions to enable high through cellular screening.
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.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 on or 0808 234 4391. The helpline is available from 8.30am to 12.00 noon Monday to Friday, during bank holidays these times and days may vary.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 UK Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the and scroll to the Careers Section where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive .Important notice to Employment businesses/ AgenciesGSK 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

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