Department Description:
We are recruiting for a co-op position in the Respiratory and Immunology Biology unit, Emerging Specialties group at GSK’s Upper Providence research facility in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Accumulating genetic information from various sources are providing scientists with greater insights into how variations in our genes increase risk or protect us from various diseases. The RIBU-Emerging Specialties focuses on novel drug targets which have a strong genetic link to certain diseases e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, FTD, ALS and Parkinson’s disease.
The successful candidate will work within the in vitro biology group of the RIBU which focuses on opportunities targeting and interrogating neurodegeneration through cellular and in vivo models to develop new medicines in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, FTD and Parkinson’s disease.
Job Description:
This position will allow the selected candidate to gain experience of the drug discovery process in a scientifically innovative environment. Under supervision, this individual will develop, conduct, analyze and present results from in vitro experiments aimed at advancing our understanding of biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.
Experimental work will include isolation and culture of primary and established iPSC neural cell lines, pharmacological and genetic manipulation, high content imaging and functional mechanistic assays to support existing drug discovery programs. This position will run for a minimum of 6 months with the option to extend up to 12 months if the student’s schedule permits.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, or a related biomedical disciplines.
- Must be able to work full-time (35-40 hours/week) throughout the duration of the assignment.
- Must have an active student status and/or within 12 months post-graduation from a BS or MS degree program. Post-doctoral candidates are not eligible.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Basic understanding of cell-biology, neuroscience or pharmacology
- Relevant laboratory experience in routine culture of primary cells (rodent cortical and midbrain neurons), culturing and maintenance of iPSC-derived cells (glutamatergic, dopaminergic neurons, astrocytes and microglia, routine biochemical and cell-biological techniques: qPCR, western analyses, immunocytochemistry (IHC) and high-content microscopy and image analyses
Benefits:
- While GSK embraces a flexible work environment, we do require certain positions to be onsite. Candidates who are hired for an on-site role and reside outside of 50-miles from their assigned work location are eligible for relocation stipend. This is a one-time payment to help offset housing & relocation expenses. Please refer to the position details for the requirements of each position.
- GSK Interns and Co-ops are offered a competitive hourly pay rate and benefits. Please note, benefits eligibility to be determined upon hire.
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Must successfully pass a drug screen and background check prior to assignment target start date.
- If your skillsets are a match for this role, you will be contacted by our recruitment team with next steps to complete our internal World of GSK Assessment.
- Please note, you must receive a passing score to move forward in the interview process. Once your assessment is complete, a recruiter will review your results and be in touch with next steps.