Attention GSK Employees

Northeastern University Press Release

In 2017 GSK and Northeastern University initiated a collaborative PhD partnership to provide GSK chemists an opportunity to complete a research-based PhD degree while employed full time. Employees are enrolled at Northeastern University as graduate students in the relevant department while continuing to work at a GSK site.

Candidates for the program require a master’s degree in their area of interest together with a track record of success. Individuals with high levels of innovation, creativity, and the ability to solve complex problems are required. Candidates will also need to be highly motivated, with effective communication skills. GRE’s are required for enrollment. Scores are good for up to 5 years of the test date. Northeastern University departments may also have course of test requirements specific to their degree.

Employees in the collaborative program work on a PhD project that is directly aligned with business needs and contributes to the identification of new medicines within the research and development teams at GSK.  Completion of the degree will take from 3 to 5 years. During this time, the employee will be co-supervised by Northeastern academic together with a senior scientist from GSK.  Employees are expected to visit Northeastern 2-3 times per year. In this way, students can gain the maximum benefit from being associated with both an outstanding university and a scientific leader within GSK.

Under the agreement, all work is confidential and full disclosure of details with NU faculty is allowed. There is a moratorium on publication of the thesis for 2 years. This is reviewed after 18 months and can be extended an additional 3 years if needed.

Students are selected via a joint review (GSK/Northeastern) with their direct manager and line manager along with senior leader input.