At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programming activities for clinical studies and mentor junior programmers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values ambition, accountability, and doing the right thing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in programming languages and experience in the pharmaceutical industry are essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with GSK, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. We are seeking a Principal Programmer / Analyst to join our Clinical Programming team, contributing to pipeline delivery across complex and pivotal studies. This role operates within an agile, squad-based environment, where you will lead study delivery, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and act as a technical mentor to ensure high-quality and timely outputs.
Working closely with stakeholders across clinical, statistical, and operational functions, you will play a key role in bridging scientific requirements with technical solutions, supporting the successful execution of clinical development programmes within a global setting. We create a place where people can grow, be their best, be safe, and feel welcome, valued and included. We offer a competitive salary, an annual bonus based on company performance, healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme. We embrace modern work practices; our Performance with Choice programme offers a hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in-office work.
In this role you will:
- Independently lead programming activities for one or more studies, ensuring development, maintenance, and validation of complex analysis packages.
- Foster quality assurance by ensuring programming activities adhere to standards such as Good Programming Practices and CDISC.
- Mentor junior programmers by providing guidance and support in technical programming tasks and industry best practices.
- Lead programming support for regulatory interactions (e.g., EMA, FDA).
- Identify gaps and inefficiencies and recommend and implement innovative solutions aligned with standards and best practices.
- Establish and uphold governance frameworks, identify risks early and devise mitigation plans, ensuring timely escalation.
Basic Qualifications & Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming language and ability to evaluate and select appropriate tools or languages for specific tasks.
- Previous experience working in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with advanced understanding of clinical trials and therapeutic areas, applied to enhance programming outputs and decision-making.
- Ability to lead discussions on programming strategies, displays, and custom programs.
- Application of critical thinking to implement standards and collaborate with stakeholders where deviations are required.
- Strong understanding of governance, quality control, and compliance with regulatory requirements and programming standards.
- Ability to articulate complex technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Experience guiding others in the use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools or applying these tools to improve efficiency.
- Experience contributing to internal technical discussions, forums, or external technical organizations.
- Experience contributing to department strategies and key technical initiatives through working groups or sub-teams.
- Demonstrated networking and collaboration across departments, divisions, and external partners.
- Experience facilitating integration across matrix teams and contributing to planning and execution of programming activities.
- Experience guiding teams and individuals, fostering continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
- Demonstrated proficiency in R.
Closing Date for Applications - 24th June 2026 (COB)
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. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients' needs and have the highest probability of success.
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.
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.
Principal Programmer / Analyst employer: Gsk
GSK is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Principal Programmer / Analyst. With a competitive salary, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a hybrid working model, GSK empowers its employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to groundbreaking research that aims to positively impact the health of billions globally. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member feels valued and has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Programmer / Analyst
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Gsk. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Gsk!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Programmer / Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Gsk that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Gsk.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Gsk does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gsk
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Gsk. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Gsk's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Gsk. This shows your passion for the industry!
