Associate Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Bioanalysis

Job Introduction

Associate Principal Scientist – Large Molecule Bioanalysis

UK – Hoddesdon

Pharmaron is a leading global Contract Research Organisation (CRO), supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the full drug discovery and development lifecycle. With more than 25,000 employees across 23 sites in the UK, US, and China, we deliver fully integrated scientific services that help accelerate the development of novel therapies.

As part of our continued growth, we are expanding our Bioanalysis and Biotransformation capabilities at our Hoddesdon site and are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to help establish and lead our large molecule bioanalysis offering.

This is a senior, high‑impact role for a scientifically credible expert in large molecule LC–MS bioanalysis, with particular depth in proteins, peptides, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), ADCs, and complex biologics. The role combines hands‑on technical leadership, scientific strategy, and close collaboration with both internal teams and external clients.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping platform capabilities, developing advanced bioanalytical workflows, mentoring scientists, and contributing to a strategically important and growing area of Pharmaron’s UK bioanalysis services.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Capability Development

• Contribute to the growth and direction of large molecule bioanalysis within the Bioanalysis & Biotransformation group.
• Act as a subject matter expert for LC–MS‑based bioanalysis of biologics and complex modalities.
• Design bioanalytical strategies for monoclonal antibodies, peptides, fusion proteins, ADCs, and related large molecules.
• Select and apply appropriate analytical approaches, including bottom‑up, middle‑up/middle‑down, and top‑down workflows.
• Support the development and implementation of new analytical platforms, workflows, and technologies.
• Represent the group in technical discussions with clients and internal stakeholders.

Bioanalytical Method Development & Execution

• Develop, optimise, and qualify LC–MS methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of large molecules in complex biological matrices.
• Lead work using high‑resolution mass spectrometry for proteins and biologics.
• Support ADC bioanalysis, including DAR profiling, conjugation analysis, payload release, and catabolite identification.
• Oversee workflows including intact mass analysis, subunit analysis, peptide mapping, PTM characterisation, and biotransformation studies.
• Drive innovation in sample preparation, immunocapture/enrichment, chromatography, and MS acquisition.
• Interpret complex datasets and clearly communicate results and conclusions.

Collaboration, Mentoring & Quality

• Work closely with colleagues across bioanalysis, biotransformation, DMPK, and related scientific disciplines.
• Mentor and technically support scientists within the team.
• Contribute to best practice, scientific rigor, and the long‑term technical direction of the group.
• Support client‑facing scientific delivery in a regulated or pre‑regulated environment.

Essential Requirements

• Strong, current hands‑on experience in large molecule bioanalysis.
• Deep technical expertise in LC–MS and high‑resolution mass spectrometry applied to biologics.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry, PTMs, and biotransformation pathways.
• Ability to lead technically complex projects and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including client‑facing scientific discussions.

Preferred Experience

• Experience helping to establish, scale, or shape a new scientific capability or platform.
• Familiarity with hybrid LBA–LC–MS workflows.
• Experience with automation, high‑throughput sample preparation, and data‑processing pipelines.
• Hands‑on experience with platforms such as Orbitrap, Q‑TOF, Gyrolab, and MSD.
• Experience supporting regulated bioanalytical studies or working to relevant guidance (e.g. ICH M10).
• Scientific publications, presentations, or external technical visibility in large molecule bioanalysis or mass spectrometry.
• Direct experience working with biologics, including mAbs and ADCs.

Why Join Pharmaron?

This is a unique opportunity to join Pharmaron at a key stage of growth and help define the future of large molecule bioanalysis in the UK. You will have the opportunity to make a visible scientific impact, work on technically challenging programmes, and contribute to building a strategically important capability within a collaborative CRO environment.