Principal Scientist I

Principal Scientist I

Macclesfield Full-Time 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead scientific growth, mentor staff, and oversee impactful projects.
  • Company: Synexa Life Sciences is a leader in scientific excellence and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in science while enhancing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: PhD or 5-8 years of relevant experience; strong knowledge of bioanalytical methods required.
  • Other info: Join a team that values mentorship and strategic growth in the life sciences sector.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.

Principal Scientist I (Immunoassays)

The Principal Scientist I (Immunoassays) aids in driving strategic scientific growth within our Immunoassay group by leading high‑impact value‑creation initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and expanding in‑house capabilities. You will support business development through scientific proposal writing, client interactions, and by serving as a subject‑matter expert on advanced ligand‑binding and functional immunoassays. Your leadership will champion scientific excellence, reinforce GxP compliance, and elevate our CRO’s reputation via publications, workshops, and cross‑functional collaborations.

Business Development & Scientific Strategy

  • Collaborate with BD teams to develop scientific content for proposals, drive technical discussions with clients, and cultivate long‑term relationships.
  • Identify emerging industry needs and spearhead Value Creation Projects (VCPs) to expand our assay portfolio (e.g., novel ECL platforms, cell‑based effector function assays).
  • Serve as the SME on complex ligand‑binding immunoassays (ELISA, MSD ECL, DELFIA™, AlphaLISA™) and functional assays (ADCC, CDC, reporter gene assays) to aid in development and troubleshooting.
  • Lead feasibility studies and oversee assay development, validation, and technology transfers to routine testing groups.
  • Mentor and train junior and mid‑level scientists on advanced assay design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and GxP documentation.
  • Delegate responsibilities and review deliverables to ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and on‑time delivery.

Scientific Excellence & External Engagement

  • Drive continuous improvement through internal audits, protocol enhancements, and corrective‑preventive action initiatives.
  • Represent the company at scientific conferences, workshops, and in peer‑reviewed publications to showcase our capabilities and thought leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

  • PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline with ≥2 years’ industry experience OR MS in a relevant field with ≥7 years’ hands‑on experience.
  • Deep expertise in regulated bioanalytical environments (GLP/GCP) and familiarity with ICH bioanalytical guidelines.
  • Demonstrated track record leading ligand‑binding (ECL, DELFIA™, ELISA) and cell‑based immunoassays, including method transfer and bridging studies.
  • Proven experience in business‑facing roles: proposal writing, client presentations, and technical negotiations.
  • Excellent leadership, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Proficiency with data‑analysis software (SoftMax Pro, Prism, Fit‑for‑Purpose validation tools) and common instrumentation.

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Background in assay automation, high‑throughput screening, or multiplex platforms.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems for resource tracking and capacity planning.
  • History of leading or co‑authoring peer‑reviewed publications or patents in bioanalysis.
  • Quality by Design (QbD) Mindset – familiarity with QbD principles to build robustness into assay development and validation from the outset.
  • Prior involvement in dossier preparation or responses to health‑authority queries (e.g., FDA, EMA) for bioanalytical sections of IND/CTA or BLA filings.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Science

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.

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Principal Scientist I employer: Synexa Life Sciences

At Synexa Life Sciences, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of scientific excellence and innovation. Located in the vibrant area of Wilmslow, our team enjoys a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth through mentorship and leadership opportunities. With a commitment to advancing in-house capabilities and supporting business development, we offer our employees the chance to make a meaningful impact in the life sciences industry while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
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Contact Detail:

Synexa Life Sciences Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist I

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the life sciences industry, especially those who have experience in ligand binding assays and regulatory bioanalytical methods. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous mentoring or training experiences you’ve had. Highlight how you’ve successfully led projects and contributed to team development in your past roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven scientific growth in your previous positions. Be ready to explain how you identified industry needs and implemented value creation initiatives.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with Synexa Life Sciences' recent publications and projects. This will not only help you understand their focus areas but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist I

PhD in a relevant field
Strong knowledge of ligand binding assays
Expertise in regulatory bioanalytical methods (FDA/EMA/ICH)
Proven project leadership
Excellent organisational skills
Multitasking abilities
Effective communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Presentation skills
Team leadership abilities
Accurate record-keeping
Documentation skills in English
Mentoring and training capabilities
Strategic thinking
Client relationship management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Scientist I position at Synexa Life Sciences. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, such as expertise in ligand binding assays and project leadership.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your PhD, industry experience, and any specific projects that demonstrate your ability to drive scientific growth and mentor staff.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for scientific excellence and your ability to contribute to business development. Mention specific examples of how you've led projects or mentored others in previous roles.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your interpersonal and presentation skills. Provide examples of successful client engagements or team leadership experiences in your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Synexa Life Sciences

✨Showcase Your Expertise

As a Principal Scientist I, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of ligand binding assays and regulatory bioanalytical methods. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied this knowledge and how it contributed to scientific excellence.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role involves mentoring staff and leading projects. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, delegated tasks, and supported the development of others in your previous roles. This will show your capability to drive strategic scientific growth.

✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios

Since supporting business development is key, think about how you would approach client discussions. Prepare to discuss past experiences where you've contributed to proposals or managed client relationships effectively.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. You may be asked to present your ideas or findings, so ensure you're comfortable with public speaking and engaging with diverse audiences.

Principal Scientist I
Synexa Life Sciences
Location: Macclesfield
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