Description

Director - Organoid & Tissue Explant Analytics

The Director – Organoid and Tissue Explant Analytics will play a key role in the build of the Oncology Translational Research team within GSK Oncology TA. The Director – Organoid and tissue explant analytics will be responsible for leading a team of talent computation biologists and data scientists with diverse expertise in proteomics, spatial-omics, and imaging, (epi)genomics (including single cell and pseudo-single cell analyses) and 3D cell culture responsible for characterizing both patients derived organoid and patient derived explant model systems. By exploiting patient-derived organoids and explants/ derivatives, the Oncology Translational Research team will apply a multimodality analytic approach, plus machine learning models which are coupled with paired patient-derived data feedback, to improve cancer patient risk stratification as well as to predict future targeted and/or immuno-therapy susceptibilities.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage a team of multi-disciplinary computational biologists and data scientists experienced in spatial imaging, genomics, and proteomics analyses.
• Define and implement the computational biology and biostatistical strategy responsible for achieving the Oncology Translational Research mission and vision involving a range of data sources such as cancer biology, immunology, genomics, multiplexed spatial and 3D microscopy.
• Partner with the VP – Oncology Translational Research to develop and execute the organizational scientific strategy.
• Provide clear recommendations on future experimental plans to the Oncology Translational Research project team, based on a solid understanding and interpretation of the data.
• Supporting and developing the automation process for the project to extend the throughput of various multimodal assays.
• Build relationships with internal Oncology Translational Research teams and with cross-functional partners in disciplines (such as AI/ML, Precision Medicine, Oncology Project Leaders, Oncology Research Units and Oncology Clinical Development, functional genomics (FxG), proteomics, clinical imaging, etc) to work together towards improving patient stratification of clinical treatments using GSK assets, alone or in combination with standard of care treatment.
• Leading and managing external collaborations with research partners.
• Prepare data presentations and write governance proposals for support/development and expansion of the lab capabilities.
• Provide oversight and identify data that may be worth considering patenting. (Intellectual property (IP) generation) as well as producing IP documents.
• Undertake the annual review and setting objectives for direct reports within the Oncology Translational Research team.
• Taking oversight of the projects within Oncology Translational Research - this entails managing and supervising activities daily; as well as monitoring timelines and ensuring synergy and collaboration/cooperation between this new unit with KCL scientists within the GSK-KCL Translational Oncology Research Hub, an exclusive research collaboration between GSK and the Comprehensive Cancer Centre at KCL. This collaboration model established by the former Digital Biological Twin Unit will serve as a template for other external Cancer Centre partners such as the OCTC.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or related with 8+ years of post-doctoral experience as a minimum.
• A multidisciplinary mix of training/experience in Oncology, Immunology and Cancer cell biology
• Experienced in integrating diverse datasets from genomics, proteomics and spatial imaging studies using data fusion strategies.
• Experienced with 3D microscopy and associated processing methods (e.g. lightsheet)
• Experience analyzing data from clinical trials.
• Experienced with machine learning methods relevant to multivariate and multimodal small and large datasets.
• Significant experience in managing and training lab team members in academic research or industry environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

• Knowledgeable in a range of biological and imaging assays.
• A good grounding in statistical methods and exceptional attention to detail.
• A track record of high-quality scientific Publications in the application of algorithms in the biological and clinical realms.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to work well with ambiguity and in intense situations.
• Gravitas and experience to create a positive relationship with third parties.
• Must be able to act independently; must have confidence to make strategic and tactical decisions and prioritize effectively.
• Proven ability to navigate multi-faceted organizations with repeated success; tenacity and resourcefulness, routinely capable of displaying a measured, proportionate, and calm approach under pressure.

Closing Date for Applications: COB 8th December 2023

Please take a copy of the Job Description, as this will not be available post closure of the advert. When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.

Why Us?

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 organization where people can thrive. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030.

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 workplace where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and thrive as set out in our Equal and Inclusive Treatment of Employees policy. We're committed to being more proactive at all levels so that our workforce reflects the communities we work and hire in, and our GSK leadership reflects our GSK workforce.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent. In the US, we also adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class*(*US only).

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.

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