Senior Analytical Chemist : Drug Discovery to Clinic

This is an opportunity to take on a scientific leadership position within a highly regarded CRO, combining technical expertise in analytical chemistry with project leadership, client engagement, and strategic scientific input.

Join a highly regarded, multi-site research organisation operating across the UK that provides an innovative range of services and solutions to clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, agrochemical, petrochemical, chemical, cosmetics, and consumer products sectors. You will benefit from exposure to diverse client projects, cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities to contribute to commercially impactful research.

This position sits at the heart of analytical problem-solving and method development, supporting a broad range of customer programmes across pharmaceutical and chemical development.

You will join a motivated and experienced team of analysts focused on supporting our external customers, as well as our internal chemistry, GMP, and GLP teams, to deliver innovative solutions for our clients' programmes. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong level of analytical knowledge across a variety of techniques and possess a passion for laboratory work. In return, excellent training and comprehensive support systems will be integrated into your personal development to help you progress your career within the company.

This role is ideal for self-motivated candidates who are ready to use their strong communication skills and technical competency to take on a key position within the analytical team.

• Lead complex analytical drug discovery programmes
• Perform chromatographic method development, optimisation, and validation using techniques including HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, NMR, GPC, and thermal analysis.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges, interpret analytical data, and prepare technical reports.
• Support GMP- and GLP-regulated studies, introduce new analytical technologies, drive business growth through customer engagement.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about scientific excellence, enjoy leading both from the bench and from the front, and are eager to drive strategic impact within a leading research organisation.

You are an established scientist with deep technical expertise, proven leadership experience, and a track record of delivering complex projects within CRO, academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments.

• BSc, MSc, or PhD in an analytical, chemical, or related scientific field, with demonstrated, relevant experience as an analyst in a fine chemical or pharmaceutical industry role.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and policies is ideal, though not an essential requirement.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of chemical analytical techniques (Thermal Analysis, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS, UPLC, SFC, and NMR). Experience in method development, optimisation, and validation is desirable, as is experience with NMR techniques and interpretation.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

As a minimum, we offer:

• Share Incentive Scheme
• Retail Discount Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead breakthrough scientific programmes, mentor the next generation of researchers, and grow your career within an ambitious and innovative organisation, this could be the perfect next step.