At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative experiments in drug discovery and analyse biochemical data.
- Company: Join Almac Discovery, a leader in advancing clinical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, healthcare benefits, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient safety and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology or relevant experience in molecular and cell biology required.
The predicted salary is between 30150 - 36850 £ per year.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday, flexible working hours.
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 (significant, relevant work experience & a BSc in a relevant discipline may be considered in lieu of PhD).
- 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.
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.
Biology Scientist (maternity cover - fixed term 12 months) in Lisburn employer: Almac Group Ltd
Almac Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee development and career progression. With a focus on innovative eClinical solutions, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that advance human health while enjoying competitive salaries and a supportive culture in locations like Craigavon and Charnwood.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biology Scientist (maternity cover - fixed term 12 months) in Lisburn
✨Get Involved with Local Research Groups
Look for temporary roles in biology by connecting with local universities or research institutions. Attend open seminars, conferences, or even lab tours to network with professionals and discover any upcoming opportunities—sometimes they even need extra hands on short projects!
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Biology often has seasonal hiring—look for internships or temp positions during peak times like summer. These roles can lead to great experience and connections that might open doors for future opportunities. Just remember, we encourage you to apply through our website to streamline your application process with Almac Group Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Biology Scientist (maternity cover - fixed term 12 months) in Lisburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:For a temporary role in biology, make sure to highlight any specific lab techniques or research experiences you've participated in. If you've worked on any projects, mention your contributions and what you learned – this is what will catch Almac Group Ltd's eye!
Keep It Fluid and Adaptable:Given that it's a temporary position, your application should reflect your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly. In your cover letter, discuss how your background has prepared you to jump into new situations or adapt to different lab environments in a heartbeat.
Certifications Matter!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like lab safety or specific research methodologies, be sure to include them in your CV. These can really demonstrate your readiness for immediate contributions at Almac Group Ltd and save time during the hiring process.
Reflect Your Passion for Biology:Let your enthusiasm shine through your application! We want to see your genuine interest in biology and any recent trends or discoveries that fascinate you. This will show Almac Group Ltd you’re not just a good choice for the role, but also a super-motivated candidate who’s keen to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group Ltd
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Since this is a biology role, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in the lab. We should highlight any techniques or experiments you've performed that relate to the job, as those practical skills could really impress your interviewers at Almac Group Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Key Concepts
Make sure we're familiar with recent developments in the field of biology. Interviewers might throw in some technical questions related to current research or methodologies. A quick review of recent papers or breakthroughs could give us a unique angle during our chat with Almac Group Ltd.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
Given that this is a temporary role, we should stress our adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers like Almac Group Ltd want to know that we're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples of how we've quickly adjusted to new environments or tasks in the past.
✨Prepare a Quick Project Summary
It might be useful to prepare a brief overview of any relevant projects or studies we've worked on. We can frame it in a way that showcases our contributions and what we learned, demonstrating how that experience will be beneficial in our role at Almac Group Ltd.
