Summer Co-op/Medicinal Chemistry

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.  

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 organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).   

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 place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

Department Description

The Discovery Chemistry department is currently seeking a 12-month co-op placement who will focus on using organic synthesis and modern industrial and chemical technologies to solve key challenges as part of a GSK chemistry project or program.

The Discovery Chemistry group partners with program teams across GSK’s research organization to deliver high-quality small molecules, from hit generation through late-stage optimization. The successful applicant will be part of a highly productive team responsible for designing and synthesizing drug molecules for development.  The role involves synthesis of new chemical entities, medicinal chemistry data analytics, designing compounds to test medicinal chemistry hypotheses, and/or learning technological advances when opportunities arise.  You will be completely embedded within a project team with specific accountabilities to help deliver on objectives by immersion in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and interaction with adjacent disciplines. You will be matched with an experienced scientist who will also support your project to enable success, and have the opportunity to engage with other scientific leaders across the department. These interactions promote and facilitate relationships that can last beyond the duration of this role.

GSK scientists will highlight past achievements and deliver tutorials focusing on fundamental principles through lunch & learn engagement sessions. You will have the opportunity to showcase your work and achievements to the department in a presentation at the end of the term.

Job Description

The co-op is responsible for accurate notebook recording, reaction set-up techniques, simple workup procedures, thin layer and flash chromatography, basic NMR and mass spectroscopy interpretation, and safe laboratory practices.  This experience will enable students to improve their organic chemistry knowledge while gaining exposure to medical chemistry problem-solving, structure-activity relationships, high-throughput experimentation, and modern methods of parallel synthesis.  Students will also learn how this skillset translates into one of the key engines of small-molecule drug discovery and how this area of science fits into their overall professional development goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS/BA in chemistry, or similar technical disciplines OR
• Pursuing a MS/MA or PhD in organic chemistry or chemistry.
• Experience with basic mass spectroscopy and NMR interpretation.
• Experience with purification and isolation of organic molecules, including flash chromatography.
• Must be able to work full-time (35-40 hours/week) throughout the duration of the 12-month co-op (May 2025 - May 2026).
• Must have an active student status and/or within 12 months post-graduation from a BS or MS chemistry degree program. Post-doctoral candidates are not eligible.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidate with research focus in organic/synthetic chemistry and with undergraduate research experience.
• Candidate with prior biotech research or pharmaceutical co-op/internship experience.
• Track record of working in a team environment.

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.

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 or hybrid 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 determined the month following date of hire.

This job posting is for a temporary role as an employee of Atrium on assignment at GSK. The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of Atrium; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by Atrium upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on several factors, including skills, competencies, experience, educational degree obtained, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law.

In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirement.

Pay Rate Range: $21/hr to $40/hr

Interested in learning more? Register now on our digital learning platform (GSK Get Ahead - Connectr) where you can access interview and assessment hints and tips, speak to a mentor and learn more about life at GSK.