Job Introduction
Scientific Associate, Potency
Liverpool
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 sites across the UK, US and China, and we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make—just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers.
We’re seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Scientific Associate to join our Potency Team within Analytical Sciences, supporting both internal and client biologics projects. In this role, you’ll support the development, optimisation, validation, and application of analytical methods for in-process development as well as non-GMP and cGMP release testing of biological products. You’ll work with cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, contributing to high-quality, phase-appropriate analytical support across a range of biologics programmes.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
At Pharmaron we offer:
- Vibrant and dynamic employment – we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy – our future is strong and exciting!
- Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself – our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster!
- A great team where we all support each other – enjoy your work – after all, you spend about a third of your time here!
Key roles and responsibilities:
- Perform analytical activities for internal and client CMC projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Support the development, optimisation, and validation of cell-based potency assays and immunoassays (e.g., ELISA).
- Apply molecular biology techniques such as qPCR and ddPCR in analytical workflows.
- Maintain high standards in laboratory operations, including documentation, housekeeping, and reagent management.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical documents, protocols, and reports with a right-first-time mindset.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through 5S and operational excellence.
- Assist in the qualification of new equipment and training of team members.
Requirements:
- BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences field with biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical experience.
- Hands-on experience in cell culture, immunoassays (ELISA), cell-based potency assays, and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ddPCR).
- Strong attention to detail and effective organisational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Our Company:
“We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading-edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges.”
We are based in the vibrant city of Liverpool with a world-class R&D and manufacturing facility that offers a complete end-to-end development service. Our 80,000 sq. ft facility houses an established Biologics Department that consists of Analytical and Process Sciences. Our Liverpool site has a remarkable 20-year track record in Biologics Development, now offering a fully integrated gene therapy drug substance solution in our state-of-the-art cGMP facility purpose-designed for viral vectors with onsite plasmid DNA and renowned analytical capabilities for release and characterisation.
- We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
- We offer a state-of-the-art working environment in our modern Liverpool site.
- We offer the opportunity for growth and development and will support funding for relevant training and development programmes.
We do more than manufacture batches, we develop medicines!
Why Should You Apply?
- This is an opportunity for you as a science professional to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate ambition and the desire to grow with the department.
- Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards.
- Be part of a team who support each other, embrace and solve technical challenges, and put excellence at the heart of all that we do.
Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 21,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.