Senior Scientist II, Biophysics

Job Introduction

Senior Scientist II, Biophysics (Drug Discovery)

Hoddesdon

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 are seeking a highly skilled Biophysical Chemist with proven expertise in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and assay development to join our team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in advancing drug discovery projects by designing, developing, and validating assays, interpreting complex data, and overcoming assay-related challenges with creativity and precision. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with colleagues to drive innovation, while also demonstrating the independence and initiative needed to deliver results.

This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who combines technical excellence with problem-solving skills and a passion for discovery. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to groundbreaking research, we would love to hear from you.

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:

• To support biology projects by working independently to plan, execute and deliver on project goals.
•  Demonstrate competency in the core laboratory skills required to support biology assay development, validation and screening. Such skills include, but are not limited to, routine use of core instrumentation and laboratory techniques, guided use of higher end laboratory techniques and instrumentation, and an understanding how their work influences drug discovery.
•  Execute experiments, interpret results, and be able to plan and recommend next steps and/or additional experiments in a timely manner to solve scientific issues. Where appropriate the individual will seek guidance (from a scientific supervisor / Line Manager) due to the level of complexity and/or the requirement for strategic input.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams to ensure that scientific work is appropriately reported via laboratory notebooks and presentations both internally and externally to the client.
• Document and report results of all experiments in a manner consistent with department practices and governing procedures, as applicable

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics or a related field, with at least three years of relevant work experience, or a M.S. with five years of relevant work experience 
• Experience of using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is required
• Experience using biophysical techniques used to analyse protein-protein interactions and protein-small molecule interactions.
• Practical experience with biophysical techniques such Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF) is required. 
• Candidates with experience running FP, FRET, kinetic FRET assays or Mass Spectroscopy with relevant knowledge in Drug Discovery field will also be considered
• Expertise with the kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of ligand binding as well as quantitative data management and analysis
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present rationale, key data, issues and accomplishments to other members of the scientific team
• Good fit with Pharmaron culture and values of highly collaborative, team-oriented research

Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing CRO with a reputation for leading-edge science. We provide contract research services to some of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies, solving complex scientific challenges with integrity and professionalism.

Our Hoddesdon site in Hertfordshire offers over 5,000 m² of premier R&D space, housing Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Product Development, and Drug Discovery teams. The site includes state-of-the-art GMP facilities for API development, oral solid dose manufacture, formulation development, and process chemistry.

• We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
• We offer state of the art working environment on site.
• We offer the opportunity for growth and development and will support funding for relevant training and development programmes.

Why Should You Apply?

• This is an opportunity for you as a Chemist professional to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate leadership, 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.
• To 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.