Biology Scientist (maternity cover - fixed term 12 months

Biology Scientist

(maternity cover - fixed term 12 months)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Monday Friday, flexible working hirs

: HRJOB
11789

Business Unit: Almac Discovery

Location: Belfast

Open To: Internal & External Candidates

The Role

An exciting position is now available at our Belfast site to help further our drug discovery efforts.

In this role, you will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality biochemical and cell-based assay data to support small molecule and biologic drug discovery programmes. You will lead the development, optimisation, validation and execution of innovative in vitro assays, while independently performing experiments, analysing results and communicating scientific conclusions.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will identify and resolve technical challenges, maintain accurate experimental records within discovery informatics systems, and contribute critical scientific insights to advance medicinal chemistry and drug discovery projects.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in biology, biochemistry or another relevant life science discipline*
• Strong background in molecular and cell biology and/or cancer biology.
• Practical experience and comprehensive knowledge of cell biology and other basic molecular techniques e.g. DNA/RNA/ protein from cells and/or tissues. PCR, western blotting, cloning or ELISA.
• Practical experience in mammalian cell culture.

*(significant, relevant work experience & a BSc in a relevant discipline may be considered in lieu of PhD).

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in cell-based models of disease and ability to characterise complex cellular phenotypes
• Previous experience in pharmaceutical R&D or related research environment considered advantageous
• Prior experience in at least one of the following complex cellular assays e.g. (3D, co-culturing), flow cytometry, CRISPR
• Prior experience in assay development, for medium- high throughput screening campaigns informing hit identification, triage and SAR data interpretation.
• Prior experience in the use of laboratory automation and liquid handling equipment

Reward

A competitive salary and excellent benefits package are available, including generous holiday allowance, healthcare reimbursement scheme, and the opportunity to work in a role that directly supports patient safety and the advancement of clinical research.

Apply Now

Apply online by uploading your CV (PDF format preferred). Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined above.

Closing Date

We will no longer be accepting applications after Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 17:00

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE

Almac will only accept applications from agencies/business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.

Skills:
Biochemistry Cell Biology Drug Discovery Microbiology Molecular Biology Biological Laboratory Biochemical Techniques

Benefits:
Paid Time-Off for Vacation and Sick Days Flexible Schedules Professional Development + Growth Pension Scheme Learning and Development opportunities Paid medical appointments Healthcare benefit