GSK Joins REDI with new PhD Graduate Program

18 November 2020

MTPConnect is pleased to announce that GSK Australia have joined the REDI initiative as a partner to provide a PhD Graduate Program to facilitate the cross pollination of scientific, academic research expertise with that of the Pharmaceutical Industry.

The ‘GSK PhD Graduate Innovation Program’ (GPGIP) provides selected PhD Postgraduates with a 12-month placement assigning them to lead on core projects in areas such as early product development, medical affairs and regulatory affairs.

The company, which employs approximately 1,500 Australians, is currently focusing on novel medicines in immuno-oncology, immuno-inflammatory, HIV, and infectious diseases (including COVID-19 therapy areas).

GSK’s Director of Regulatory Affairs for Australia and New Zealand, Dr Carolyn Tucek-Szabo commented that the REDI program was a great example of government and industry working together to provide commercial career opportunities for Australia’s brightest scientific minds.

“I know firsthand the journey that it takes to move from the PhD academic environment into industry, and I am passionate about supporting future generations of researchers to succeed in this important industry,” Dr Tucek-Szabo said.

“We anticipate that the PhD Graduates accepted into our program will develop strategic skills, business acumen with scientific rigor and experience real life understanding of what it takes to develop and commercialise a medicine or a vaccine for patients. It will be an opportunity to learn business skills and processes beyond the laboratory.

“During the Program, PhD Graduates will also have the opportunity to engage with GSK staff who hold doctorates and have used their academic training and experience to flourish in the pharmaceutical sector.

“I hope it will provide them with new horizons,” she said.

MTPConnect Managing Director and CEO Dr Dan Grant welcomed GSK Australia as a REDI partner.

“We are very pleased to partner with GSK Australia through our REDI program which is supporting the development of our future workforce. By developing a PhD Graduate Program, GSK are offering our brightest minds the valuable opportunity for industry experience and we are excited to see the impact of this collaboration,” Dr Grant said.

Six places will be available per year, over a 3-year timeframe (March 2021-December 2023) and the first cohort will commence on 1 March 2021 - 28 February 2022. Applications are open now at GSK’s website and close on 2 December 2020.

Listen into the MTPConnect podcast to hear more from the GSK Australia team about the GPGIP.