Associate Principal​/Principal Analytical Scientist

Competitive Salary (Based on experience) + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Are you an experienced analytical scientist looking for an opportunity to combine hands‑on laboratory science with project leadership and team development?

At Sai Life Sciences, you'll lead analytical programmes across a diverse portfolio of small molecule drug development projects, working alongside world‑class process chemists, analytical scientists and engineers to help bring innovative medicines to patients faster. This is a unique opportunity to influence project strategy from discovery through to late‑stage development while mentoring the next generation of analytical scientists within a growing global organisation.

Whether you're currently leading analytical projects in pharma, biotech or a CDMO environment, and are looking for greater scientific ownership, broader project exposure and the opportunity to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Sai Life Sciences is a rapidly growing global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) partnering with innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialisation of small molecule medicines.

With more than 3,000 employees worldwide and R&D facilities in Boston, Manchester and Hyderabad, Sai works with 18 of the world's top 25 pharmaceutical companies, alongside many emerging biotech organisations.

In 2020, Sai established its UK Centre of Excellence for Process Chemistry and Analytical Development at Alderley Park, Cheshire. Today, the site is home to more than 60 multidisciplinary scientists, analysts and engineers supporting drug development programmes from discovery through to clinical manufacture.

Following a successful IPO in December 2024, Sai continues to expand its global capabilities and is investing in scientific excellence across both the UK and India.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the UK and India to support the development of life‑changing medicines.

The position is based at Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK. Occasional travel, including visits to India, may be required depending on project needs.

We are seeking an experienced analytical scientist to provide scientific, technical and project leadership across small molecule API development programmes from discovery through to late‑stage development.

This role combines hands‑on laboratory work with strategic leadership of analytical activities, offering the opportunity to shape project direction, develop scientific talent and drive technical excellence across the organisation.

• Lead analytical strategy and delivery for small molecule API development programmes.
• Provide scientific and project leadership across complex, multidisciplinary development projects.
• Partner closely with Process Chemistry and other stakeholders to deliver project objectives.
• Lead analytical method development, troubleshooting, validation and technology transfer activities across non‑GMP, GLP and GMP environments.
• Design, plan and deliver analytical programmes to agreed project timelines.
• Lead analytical activities supporting technology transfer between the UK and India.
• Provide expert oversight of analytical instrumentation and laboratory operations.
• Guide, mentor and develop analytical scientists, fostering technical excellence and capability growth.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and best practice in…