PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST – UK | CONTRACT

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST – UK | CONTRACT
We’re looking for an experienced Principal Scientist to join a pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or CDMO environment on a contract basis.
This is a hands-on, senior technical role for a scientist who can lead experimental work independently, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the scientific strategy of ongoing drug substance, drug product or analytical programmes.
Contract: (6–12 months) with likely extension
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Design, execute and interpret complex experiments in line with project timelines and scientific objectives.
• Lead technical work-streams within analytical method development/validation, process development, formulation, or equivalent.
• Author and review technical reports, protocols, SOPs and regulatory documentation, including CMC sections and method validation reports.
• Provide scientific and technical mentorship to junior and associate scientists.
• Troubleshoot experimental and instrumentation issues, applying root-cause analysis to resolve technical problems.
• Ensure laboratory work is conducted in compliance with GMP/GLP, health & safety, and internal quality systems.
• Present data and findings at internal project meetings, technical review boards and, where required, to clients or regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes, methods and ways of working.
• Support tech transfer activities between development and manufacturing, or between sites.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready laboratory documentation and data integrity in line with ALCOA+ principles.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• PhD (or MSc with significant equivalent industry experience) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
• Minimum (6–8) years' relevant industry experience within pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical or CDMO R&D/manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in (specific technique/platform, e.g. HPLC/UPLC, mass spectrometry, cell culture, protein purification, formulation development).
• Strong working knowledge of GMP/GLP and relevant regulatory frameworks, including MHRA, EMA and FDA as applicable.
• Proven track record of independently leading technical projects and mentoring junior scientists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience authoring technical/regulatory documentation.
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.

DESIRABLE

• Experience within (specific modality, e.g. biologics, ADCs, cell & gene therapy, small molecule) programmes.
• Previous contract/consultancy experience within a CDMO or client-facing environment.
• Familiarity with (specific software/systems, e.g. Empower, LIMS, Chromeleon).
• Prior line management or matrix leadership experience.