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- Tasks: Lead formulation projects and mentor junior scientists in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Company: Join Charles River, a global leader in drug development with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible health benefits, remote GP access, and a generous pension scheme from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while advancing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: BSc in Chemistry or related field; experience in industrial R&D and formulation techniques required.
- Other info: Work on diverse projects and collaborate globally with top professionals in the industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is with Charles River, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we'll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Are you a skilled formulator looking to take the next step in your career? Have you got experience of working in an industrial R&D setting, developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs? Do you want to join a global contract research organisation that improves health and lives? Our expanding pharmaceutical development team in Harlow, Essex are recruiting for an experienced formulation scientist. In this role you will apply formulation expertise to guide formulation projects through pre-clinical development. This leadership role in a small but far-reaching team is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Pharmaceutical Development group at Charles River. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of client projects spanning oral, inhaled, dermal and parenteral administration routes. This role encompasses project management and ownership of client relationships, as well as supporting lab work when required.
Main Tasks:
- Advise as a subject matter expert for Integrated Drug Discovery and Development projects, guiding formulation strategy to ensure successful outcomes.
- Design and execute formulation study plans, based on client needs.
- Manage client formulation projects to agreed timelines and budgets.
- Act as the scientific point of contact for clients, from initial discussion through to project delivery.
- Mentor junior scientists in formulation techniques and strategies.
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate has a pro-active can-do approach, pays attention to detail, and has the ability to adapt to changing demands and requirements. They use PK data and the Developability Classification System to drive formulation strategy and are comfortable communicating complex scientific data to stakeholders with varying degrees of expertise. A working knowledge of solid form characterisations techniques, non-oral dosage routes and formulation of "Beyond Rule of 5" compounds is desirable. Experience of scientific project management would also be advantageous.
Minimum BSc. Qualification in a relevant subject (Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related subject). Post-graduate qualifications desirable. Extensive experience of working in an industrial R&D setting, developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs. Strong knowledge of the drug discovery and development process. Experience of mentoring junior colleagues. Experience in designing and executing preformulation studies, including:
- Physicochemical assessment, Solubility Assessment and Biorelevant Dissolution studies.
- Expertise in at least one of the following enabling oral formulation techniques: Spray Drying, Wet milling for particle size reduction or Emulsion development.
What We Offer You
A very comprehensive benefits package from day one, including a generous pension contribution, and flexible health benefits. Parental leave. Group Life Assurance and Group Income Protection. Remote GP access 24/7. Wellbeing support and initiatives. Access to great discounts via our CREDS discount scheme. Global opportunities and strong career progression. The chance to work on several varied projects and liaise globally and nationally with other business areas. To be able to make a difference to health and wellbeing of people. To continue your own career growth. Cycle to work scheme and much more!
About Discovery
Discovery from Charles River is industry-proven in the successful development of novel therapies, with over 350 patents and 80 preclinical drug candidates delivered to our sponsors in the past 17 years. Backed by more than 650 scientists, our comprehensive, integrated portfolio employs the latest technology and platforms to provide chemistry, biology, and pharmacology services that support clients from the earliest stages of hit identification all the way through to IND. Our client-focused, collaborative approach creates true partnerships that anticipate challenges, overcome obstacles, and move us forward together on the journey of getting new drugs to market.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years. At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.
Associate Research Leader - Formulations employer: Charles River
Contact Detail:
Charles River Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Research Leader - Formulations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in formulation science, especially regarding small molecule APIs. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical development sector, particularly those who have experience at Charles River or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the Associate Research Leader role. Highlight your experience in managing client relationships and leading formulation projects, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring experience by preparing examples of how you've guided junior scientists in formulation techniques. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to contribute to the team’s growth at Charles River.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Research Leader - Formulations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in formulation science and project management. Emphasise any specific techniques you've used, such as spray drying or emulsion development, to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for drug development and how your background fits the role. Mention your experience in mentoring junior scientists and managing client relationships, as these are key aspects of the position.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to physicochemical assessments and biorelevant dissolution studies. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise and how it can benefit Charles River.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River
✨Showcase Your Formulation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs. Highlight specific projects where you applied your formulation expertise and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing client formulation projects, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and budgets in previous roles. Discuss any challenges faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Complex Data Clearly
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You may need to communicate with stakeholders who have varying levels of expertise, so clarity is key. Prepare to give examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Emphasise Mentoring Experience
As mentoring junior scientists is part of the role, be sure to discuss any experience you have in guiding or training others. Share specific instances where your mentorship made a positive impact on a colleague's development.
