Principal Scientist - Computational Target Biology(m/f/d)

Principal Scientist – Computational Biology (Single-Cell & Spatial Multiomics)

Location: Heidelberg (EMBL Campus)Company: Cellzome, a GSK CompanyWorking Model: HybridWorking Hours: Full-time preferred. We are also open to discussing 80% FTE (4-day week) for exceptional candidates.

About Us

At GSK, we unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

At Cellzome, we combine biology, computation, artificial intelligence and data science to understand disease mechanisms and identify the next generation of therapeutic targets. Our Heidelberg research center brings together scientists from multiple disciplines to solve some of the most challenging problems in drug discovery.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Principal Scientist – Computational Biology to help drive target discovery through the analysis and integration of single-cell, spatial and multiomic datasets.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strong computational expertise with biological curiosity and enjoys translating complex data into meaningful scientific insight that directly informs therapeutic strategies.

You will work closely with experimental biologists, clinicians, translational scientists and AI specialists to accelerate discovery programmes.

What You Will Do

• Design and execute analyses of single-cell, spatial and multiomic datasets.

• Transform complex biological data into actionable target discovery insights.

• Build and maintain reproducible analytical workflows and pipelines.

• Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and imaging datasets.

• Investigate vascular, immune and tissue-resident cell populations in complex disease environments.

• Generate evidence supporting target prioritisation and validation strategies.

• Partner with biology, translational science, clinical and AI teams.

• Evaluate emerging computational technologies and analytical approaches.

• Help shape biomarker strategies and patient stratification approaches.

• Mentor colleagues and champion computational best practices.

• Communicate findings through presentations, publications and scientific collaborations.

What We're Looking For

Required

• PhD in Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine or a related discipline.

• Strong hands-on experience analysing:

  • Single-cell datasets

  • Spatial omics datasets

  • Transcriptomics and multiomic data

• Strong programming skills in Python.

• Experience building robust and reproducible analytical workflows.

• Familiarity with tools such as:

  • Scanpy

  • Seurat

  • Squidpy

  • Similar analytical frameworks

• Experience applying machine learning approaches to biological datasets.

• Experience integrating different biological data modalities.

• Familiarity with GitHub, GitLab or equivalent version-control practices.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Fluent English.

Preferred

• Experience in vascular biology and/or innate immune biology.

• Knowledge of spatial transcriptomics technologies.

• Experience with AI-enabled analytical workflows.

• Target discovery, translational science or drug discovery experience.

• Scientific publications, conference presentations or open-science contributions.

• Experience mentoring scientists or leading cross-functional initiatives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute directly to target discovery and future medicines.

• Access to state-of-the-art computational, spatial and single-cell technologies.

• Hybrid working arrangements.

• Collaborative environment where biology, AI and data science intersect.

• Strong commitment to learning, growth and development.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

Inclusion & Belonging

We know there is no single route into computational biology or scientific discovery.

If this opportunity excites you, but you do not meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply. Many successful scientists have developed their expertise through different career paths, disciplines and research environments.

At Cellzome and GSK, we are committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to contribute fully. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse scientific experiences who are passionate about using computational approaches to better understand disease and advance drug discovery.

Skills

Applied Statistics, Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Data Science, Datasets, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Drug Target Identification, Genetic Analysis, Genomic Analysis, Machine Learning (ML), Software Engineering

Germany Salary Range / Gehaltsbandbreiten Deutschland: EUR 74,250 to EUR 123,750Belgium Salary Range / Fourchette salariale – Belgique: EUR 72,225 to EUR 120,375Irish Salary Range: EUR 0 to EUR 0Swedish Salary Range: SEK 0 to SEK 0The annual gross base salary range for new hires in this position is listed above for each applicable location. These ranges take into account a number of factors including the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position may offer an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. More detailed information on the total benefits package will be supplied during the recruitment process. This role is available for applicants from multiple locations, and therefore salary ranges for certain locations are also shown. Salary ranges for other locations are shown because some markets have pay transparency laws that require salary information on job postings, and those locations are potential job sites for this role. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific location or country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process. Please note salaries vary by country based on the candidate’s skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. Offers are typically made within the advertised range based on the candidate’s skills, experience and qualifications, with the upper end generally reserved for highly experienced candidates or other exceptional circumstances aligned with these criteria.Für tarifgebundene Positionen richten sich Beschäftigungsbedingungen und Vergütung nach den jeweils geltenden Tarifverträgen der chemischen Industrie sowie internen Richtlinien. Weiterführende Informationen zur Vergütung werden während des Einstellungsprozesses zur Verfügung gestellt. Abhängig von der Rolle und internen Richtlinien kann die Position u.a. auch einen Bonus und Awards für außergewöhnliche Leistungen beinhalten. Ergänzend zu den tarifvertraglichen Leistungen, wie z.B. Urlaubsgeld und zusätzlichen Freistellungstagen, können weitere Benefits angeboten werden, beispielsweise eine Altersvorsorge, Health & Wellbeing Benefits sowie bezahlte Elternzeit und Pflegezeit.

Why GSK?

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

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.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we’re committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at DE.Contact-Recruitment@gsk.com where you can also request a call.

Please note should your inquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, colour, 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.

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