Associate Scientist

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting‑edge technology to transform people’s lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success. We’re uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.

Find out more: Our approach to R&D

Job title: Associate Scientist - Glycan Science lab - Chemistry and Molecular Biology - VIDRU Discovery Technology. Location: Siena, Italy. Employment type: Fixed-term (Maternity Replacement), full time. Closing date for applications: 1 October 2026.

Position Summary

The Chemistry and Molecular Biology Function operates in the GSK VIDRU Discovery Technology Unit focusing on the identification, design and characterization of vaccine antigens. The Ass. Scientist will support GSK projects by performing polysaccharide antigens purification, oligosaccharide chemical synthesis, glycoconjugate chemistry, chemical and physical analytics and structural characterization.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the conception, design, implementation, and interpretation of polysaccharide purification, oligosaccharide chemical synthesis, glycoconjugate chemistry and structural analysis in support of vaccine discovery and early development.
• Ensures timely data collection, reporting and publication in area of responsibility (including contribution to internal/external technical documents and presentations).
• Ensures implementation of highest ethical standards, good scientific practices & data integrity in daily research activities.
• Takes appropriate actions to communicate issues affecting research strategy and progress in area of responsibility, and contributes to identify and implement potential solutions.
• Represents own Lab at technical project teams/meetings.
• Follows established Health, Safety and the Environment policies. Actively participates in training, hazard identification and other HS&E programs.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• MSc/BSc and corresponding experience plus at least 6 months / 1 year of experience in the biotechnology field.
• Experienced in protein / polysaccharide purification technology.
• Experienced in protein / polysaccharide biochemical and biophysical analysis, including DSF, DSC, DLS, AUC, SEC-MALLS, SPR, BLI.
• Track‑record of scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals, scientific presentations at conferences.
• Fluency in Italian and English, spoken and written.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams, building positive relationships and contributing to shared goals.

What we offer

• Fixed-term contract in a very Inclusive environment.
• Smart Working up to 50%.
• Flexible Benefits.
• Company Healthcare Plan.
• Integrative pension fund.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Prevention services and vaccination clinic.
• Tax assistance.
• Local nursery agreement.
• Postal service, laundry, shoe repair and tailoring.
• On Site Gym.
• On Site canteens and coffee corners.
• Free company bikes and shuttle.

Please note that relocation support cannot be provided; therefore, only candidates who are already based in the indicated country can be considered.

Italian Salary Range / Fascia retributiva in Italia: EUR 30,600 to EUR 51,000. The 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. GSK/ViiV applies the National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA) for employees in the chemical and chemical‑pharmaceutical industry and, where applicable as a result of the role assigned and the related job classification, the National Collective Bargaining Agreement for Industrial Executives of companies producing goods and services. This role is available for applicants from multipl