Analytical Chemistry - Platform Modalities Leader in Stevenage

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives.

We are seeking a Platform Modalities Leader to provide enterprise-level scientific leadership for the modernisation and evolution of Analytical Chemistry platforms supporting developing and complex therapeutic modalities. This role owns the strategic expansion of analytical platform capability beyond the current small-molecule portfolio, enabling robust, scalable, and future-proof analysis of divalent small molecules, drug conjugates including Warhead Linker Payloads for Antibody Drug Conjugates (WLPs for ADCs), and oligonucleotides.

The successful candidate will be a recognised authority who leads from the laboratory, combining deep hands-on technical expertise with platform-level strategic thinking. Through modernisation of existing capabilities, introduction of new technologies, and integration of high-throughput purification and analytical workflows, this role will shape the future state of analytical platform delivery for emerging modalities.

This is a Scientific leader role G6 with 0 to 6 reports and will require extensive matrix leadership across chemistry, modality, informatics, automation, and technology organisations. Success will depend on the ability to influence direction, set standards, and deliver change across multiple reporting lines, with impact at programme, portfolio, and organisational level. The role will require full-time on-site presence.

• Provide end-to-end scientific ownership of existing analytical and purification platforms at Stevenage and supporting small molecule and next-generation modalities, including divalent small molecules, WLPs, and oligonucleotides.
• Define and drive platform strategy and modernisation, ensuring analytical capabilities are scalable, automation-ready, and aligned to future modality and pipeline needs.
• Critically evaluate existing platforms and workflows, setting direction for capability enhancement, technology adoption, and retirement where appropriate.
• Lead from the laboratory on the most complex and high-impact analytical challenges, providing authoritative input into method development, troubleshooting, and platform design.
• Drive the strategic integration of high-throughput purification and analytical workflows to enable efficient, end-to-end support of emerging modality pipelines.
• Operate as a senior matrix leader, partnering with Discovery Chemistry, Modality teams, Informatics, Automation, and external collaborators to align platform capabilities with business priorities.
• Ensure analytical platforms meet high standards of quality, safety, and compliance, consistent with organisational and regulatory expectations.

• BSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with at least 10 years of postgraduate experience in analytical chemistry.
• Deep, demonstrable expertise in analytical platforms and associated analytical techniques relevant to modern drug modalities (e.g. LC-MS, HRMS, advanced separations, high-throughput and automated analysis).
• Proven experience modernising or transforming analytical platforms to support new modalities, including at least one of bifunctional molecules, oligonucleotides, or WLPs for ADCs.
• Strong scientific judgement with the credibility to lead complex decisions from the laboratory through to platform strategy.
• Extensive experience of matrix leadership, delivering outcomes through influence across multiple functions and reporting lines.

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or MSc with significant and directly relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience supporting complex or emerging modalities such as divalent molecules, WLPs, and oligonucleotides.
• Experience shaping enterprise-level platform strategy, long-term capability roadmaps, and/or capital investment proposals.

This role will be based 100% on site.

If this role speaks to you, please apply now. In your application, use the cover letter or CV to describe how your experience meets the requirements. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

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.