If you’re enthusiastic and have a strong interest in healthcare, we have a wide range of programmes for PhD and postdoc candidates from a scientific, research, medical or consulting background.
From Esprit, our leading global talent development programme, through to our R&D development programme, which trains the next generation of vaccine scientists, we need the very best talent to help us make an impact on people’s health across the world. Explore how we can drive progress together.
Esprit R&D Development Programme
We unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease, together. With a diverse and growing portfolio driving scientific innovation, we deliver the next generation of transformational medicines and vaccines for patients. We invest in scientific and technical excellence to develop and launch a pipeline of new products that meet the needs of patients around the world.
Transforming our approach to healthcare
We are looking for scientific and medical experts to support us as we revolutionise GSK’s approach to healthcare. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for growth. It gives you the autonomy to apply your scientific capabilities to help shape the fluid R&D environment.
Join us and build a new, best in-class scientific organisation integrating the best practices from our existing Pharmaceutical and Vaccine divisions. Our company will look very different in ten years’ time, and we want people to help drive this change through R&D.
What is unique about the Esprit R&D development programme?
The programme is GSK’s leading global talent development programme. It builds a pipeline of talent with the right technical capabilities and behaviours to drive our future strategic direction. Lasting three years, the programme has been created to attract high-potential individuals with the goal of supporting, stretching, developing, and delivering the talent of the future.
The programme is a career differentiator for participants. Those who have a high level of success on the programme are recognised for their medical and scientific contributions, and are well positioned to accelerate their careers in the R&D function within GSK.
Postdoctoral R&D
Are you an exceptional postdoc or PhD scientist with strategic decision-making skills? If you would like to work on critical R&D challenges in the pre-competitive space, then consider joining our postdoctoral R&D programme.
What will the programme be like and what will I learn?
You can expect to be working on the critical R&D challenges in the pre-competitive space, providing the opportunity for publications in high-impact journals and presentation opportunities while rounding out your training with a deeper understanding of translation of drug discovery and development to medicines of value for patients.
At the start of the programme, you’ll work with your supervisor to further a programme of research with mutually agreed timelines, milestones, objectives, accountability, and duration (up to three years).
During this time, you will have access to our extensive R&D engine, including our tools, technologies, libraries, samples and events.
On the programme you will:
- be at the cutting edge of science
- understand how we are bridging the gap from target identification to medicine for patients in need
- be part of a multi-functional drug research and development organisation working on high-risk, cutting-edge science, focused on resolving critical R&D challenges
- be prepared for a career in industry, government, a non-profit and/or academia
Eligibility
We‘re looking for exceptional PhD scientists with strategic decision-making skills. Proven scientific and theoretical capability, together with high levels of innovation, creativity, and the ability to solve complex problems are required.
When can I start?
Postdoc positions will be available throughout the year specific to each project. Please search for openings using our search and apply tool.
It felt like a big leap into the unknown, but I’m so glad I did it. I’ve always wanted to work close to clinical need, so it feels great to be part of a healthcare company. It wasn’t until my first postdoc that I found out about GSK’s postdoctoral programme – and how relevant my expertise in immunology is to the development of new medicines.
Postdoctoral Immunology Catalyst
If you are an exceptional PhD scientist with a background in immunology or a related field, you could join our world-class Immunology Catalyst R&D facility.
What is the Immunology Catalyst?
The Immunology Catalyst is our world class R&D facility in Stevenage. Leading academic immunologists work here alongside GSK’s scientists whilst pursuing their own independent research programmes. This is an opportunity to join them for up to three years.
About the programme
As a postdoctoral fellow at the Immunology Catalyst, you will be mentored by a world-class academic immunologist. They will support you in developing the skills to become an independent scientific investigator. You will have the opportunity to publish in scientific journals and to develop a deep understanding of drug discovery and development. At the start of your post-doctoral, you’ll work with your supervisor to design a programme of research with mutually agreed timelines, milestones, objectives, and responsibilities.
What will the programme prepare you for?
This Immunology Catalyst training programme will prepare you for a career in academia, industry, or in a regulatory or non-profit healthcare organisation.
How do you apply for the programme?
Please search for openings using our search and apply tool.
GSK Vaccines Global PhD and Postdoc Programme
Training the next generation of vaccine research scientists.
What will the programme be like and what will I learn?
This is a chance to work with our expert scientists and academic collaborators on the vaccines of the future. Operating at the cutting-edge of science, you will take on multi-functional projects that take advantage of our extensive R&D technological engine as well as the top-level knowledge of academic scientists and professors. A fast-paced, patient-oriented, and science-led approach is the hallmark of all our PhD and Postdoctoral research.
The programme also offers personal and career development opportunities, with a varied training curriculum. This means you can participate in everything from R&D conferences and seminars with GSK and outside experts, to soft skills summer schools and career coaching initiatives.
The impact of PhD- and postdoc-led research is pivotal in our R&D. As a student or fellow in GSK Vaccines, your research will have high visibility and make the difference in the fight against infectious diseases.
Where are GSK Vaccines R&D Centres located? When can I start?
You’ll find GSK Vaccines R&D Centres in Siena (Italy), Rixensart (Belgium) and Rockville (Maryland, US). As a PhD fellow, you will be associated with a university as a student and receive your PhD from the doctorate school of your university. As a postdoc, you can be part of innovative collaborative research projects involving both academia and industry.
You can also look for project-specific graduate and postdoc positions throughout the year on our Careers page and Partnership page
Eligibility
We are looking for exceptional students and scientists from around the world, with proven scientific and theoretical capability, together with high levels of innovation, creativity, and the ability to solve complex problems.
