Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientist - Cellular Pharmacology

Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation based in the UK and Canada with its headquarters in Nottingham and additional facilities in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Glasgow, Montreal and Quebec City. Its staff of over 1,000, which includes 900 scientists, partners with global pharma, biotech and NFP organisations. Since 2004, Sygnature Discovery has delivered over 56 novel pre-clinical and 35 clinical compounds, with its scientists named on over 225 patents. Therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and more.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Cellular Pharmacology department as a Senior Principal Scientist/Principal Scientist (subject to experience) at our Glasgow office. This is a full-time, on-site position.

The primary responsibility will be to lead and support the cell biology team. Reporting to the Director of Cellular Pharmacology, they will support driving scientific excellence within the cell biology team and work with other principal scientists to support operations across the department. Expert knowledge of cellular pharmacology and its role in integrated drug discovery is essential, as this role will provide technical oversight across the cell biology team and give scientific guidance and mentorship to project teams. Experience in directing cell-based assays, cell line generation, and receptor biology is a must, along with expertise in a range of technical and functional/therapeutic areas. Experience in GPCR research would be highly desirable.

This is a great opportunity for a senior scientist with significant relevant scientific experience looking to develop further leadership skills, or for an existing Principal scientist seeking to join a global CRO, working on exciting, high-impact projects. We are looking for someone with a creative, forward-thinking mindset, capable of driving innovative solutions and strategies. A strong team player, they will value and foster collaboration and have a track record of getting the best out of their team - driving exceptional results while demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Providing strong technical oversight across all work carried out within the cell biology team - may have some lab presence but will also have other significant non-lab-based roles and responsibilities.
• Support growth and development of the cell biology team – including capability build strategy.
• Involved in client project initiation and retention and/or pitching for new business.
• Scheduling of long-term work-plans over agreed timelines to ensure the objectives of the team(s) are met.
• Responsible for co-ordinating delivery of high-quality scientific data, interpretation and provides project direction to project teams together with the alignment of extended scientific disciplines within setting.
• Identifying areas for operational and process improvement/efficiencies/expansion to provide a scalable structure for future Cell biology team and Departmental growth.
• Line management duties (multiple direct reports, APS level and below) – takes a leading role in resource management, recruitment, and the development of scientists within the team.

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD in relevant discipline (Cell Line Biology) or equivalent, with Drug Discovery experience in industry and/or relevant Postdoc.
• Strong technical insights and troubleshooting in cell-based assays, cell line generation, and receptor biology work.
• Experience of senior level interaction with key stakeholders, including report writing and presentation of findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Significant experience of multi-stream allocation of work to others and project leadership.
• Project-wide assessment of resources, timescales, and progress, including finalisation of quotes.
• Significant experience of performance management, appraisal, and identification of others operational training and development needs, including mentoring, training others, and transferring knowledge (written and verbal).
• Considerable experience of providing strategic input into team operational activities, improving processes/efficiencies, and supporting growth.
• Demonstrable exceptional scientific expertise.
• A proven track record in positive support, engagement and influencing skills at senior management level.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays, and buy/sell scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies.
• Sygnature Group Pension Scheme.
• 1 paid volunteer day per year.
• A host of flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle.

Why Sygnature Discovery:

At Sygnature Discovery, we embody excellence in everything we do. From pioneering research to ground-breaking discoveries, we set the standard for scientific innovation. But it’s collaboration that truly defines us. Across continents and disciplines, we unite to solve complex challenges, driven by a shared passion for improving lives worldwide.

We understand the importance of creating a work environment that empowers you to thrive. That’s why we have fostered a culture of collaboration and support, providing pathways for both professional and personal development. This includes a diverse range of bespoke training and development designed to accelerate both your personal and career growth.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion throughout our organisation. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, family or parental status, beliefs, nationalities and religions. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where all our colleagues feel empowered to bring their true selves to work.

If you’re interested in joining a company that places people at the heart of its business, please submit your application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@sygnaturediscovery.com. Please do not submit your application to this email address.

For more information on life at Sygnature Discovery, visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com/careers.