At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Biophysics Drug Discovery projects and provide scientific expertise to clients.
- Company: Join Concept Life Sciences, a global leader in scientific services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while mentoring the next generation of scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with extensive experience in Biophysics and Drug Discovery.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Concept Life Sciences seeks an experienced Biophysicist to be a part of our integrated team of Protein Science, Biophysics and Structural Biology. A subject matter expert, you will apply deep expertise across Biophysical standalone and matrix Drug Discovery projects to guide client programmes, deliver high‑quality data and insights, and contribute to the continued growth and technical excellence of the department.
What you will be doing:
- This senior role is based within our multi-disciplinary department of Protein Science, Biophysics and Structural Biology (PBSB), reporting to the department Director.
- The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership to Drug Discovery projects, interpreting complex Biophysical data sets and pragmatically recommending how our clients may advance their research programmes.
- Whilst this is primarily a lab-based role, and dependent on experience, you will also drive activities associated with promoting the growth, efficiency and scientific advancement of the PBSB department.
- In addition, you may develop junior colleagues through training and mentoring.
- The role is Biophysics focussed (SPR, GCI, ITC, DLS, ELS, DSF, DLS, DSC, NTA, SEC-MALS) and complimentary skills in Protein Production are highly desirable.
- Experience in Structural Biology may also be considered.
- As a Project Leader, you will take the lead on Biophysics Drug Discovery projects from initial client interaction through to successful project delivery, working closely with Business Development colleagues in this client facing role.
- There will be a high degree of input into Business Development, including generating technical proposals and relevant marketing material.
- The successful candidate will have significant interaction with external clients and a range of internal stakeholders including scientific peers, Business Development and Marketing to ensure the scientific excellence and integrity of services delivered.
- As a company that operates globally, travel may be required. This role may also require occasional travel to our Chapel-en-le-Frith site (project dependent).
About you:
- Deep subject matter expertise (wide range of Biophysical techniques required) gained in a CRO (preferred), Academic, Biotech, or Pharma environment.
- Significant experience applying a broad range of Biophysical techniques in a Drug Discovery environment.
- Extensive relevant experience.
- Experience in Protein Science highly desirable.
- Experience in other Structural Biology techniques (e.g. X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, Protein NMR) preferred.
- Successful track record leading scientific projects in a client‑facing role.
- Has supported development of more junior colleagues.
- Liaison with and management of external vendor relationships.
- Relevant PhD or equivalent postgraduate experience to demonstrate deep subject matter expertise.
What you will get:
- In addition to a competitive salary, we provide generous holiday entitlement, a pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions, a health cash plan covering a range of therapy treatments, a cycle to work scheme, a retail discount scheme, death in service benefit, a discretionary bonus scheme, and free on-site parking.
- You’ll also have access to our BHN Extras platform, offering cashback, discounts, and tech/home purchases via salary sacrifice.
- Colleague wellbeing is important to us, we offer 24/7 virtual GP access, emotional support services, and a comprehensive wellbeing hub.
- We’re proud of our inclusive, supportive culture and provide a range of learning and development opportunities to help you grow both personally and professionally.
About Concept Life Sciences:
Concept Life Sciences is a multi-disciplined Contract Research Organisation based in the UK providing market-leading scientific services globally. Over the past 25 years, Concept Life Sciences and its heritage companies have played a pivotal role in guiding numerous clients along their path to clinical success and many of these clients have evolved into enduring scientific collaborators. From our 4 sites across the UK, we provide world-leading expertise to the pharmaceutical, biotech, agrochemical, and material science industries. We have clients across Europe, Asia, and the US, who value our knowledge-based, science-led, and customer-focused approach.
Principal Scientist - Biophysics in Edinburgh employer: Concept Life Sciences
Concept Life Sciences is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Edinburgh where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development, we empower our team to excel in their careers while contributing to groundbreaking Drug Discovery projects. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values scientific excellence and fosters personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - Biophysics in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Concept Life Sciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Concept Life Sciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist - Biophysics in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Concept Life Sciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Concept Life Sciences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Concept Life Sciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Concept Life Sciences
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Concept Life Sciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Concept Life Sciences's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Concept Life Sciences. This shows your passion for the industry!
