At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative assay development and screening projects in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Concept Life Sciences, a leading Contract Research Organisation with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on colleague wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while mentoring and developing future scientists.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in biochemical assays and significant early drug discovery experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Site: Chapel-en-le-Frith (on site)
Salary: Competitive - Depending on Experience
Hours: 37.5
Contract: Permanent
Concept Life Sciences is looking for an experienced Principal Scientist to provide scientific leadership across our Assay Development and Screening services. You will bring deep expertise in biochemical and cell-based assay development and screening, together with strong early drug discovery experience, to help clients progress programmes from target validation through hit identification, lead optimisation and candidate selection. Working in a collaborative CRO environment, you will design bespoke assay and screening strategies, develop credible screening cascades in response to client needs, and combine hands-on scientific delivery with leadership, mentoring and capability development.
What you will be doing:
- Provide scientific leadership across assay development and screening projects.
- Design, optimise and deliver biochemical, cell-based and biophysical screening cascades aligned to client objectives.
- Support programmes spanning target validation, mechanism of action studies, hit identification, lead optimisation and candidate selection.
- Work collaboratively with Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, CADD, ADME/DMPK, Toxicology and Data Science teams.
- Develop bespoke screening and profiling strategies in response to client enquiries and project requirements.
- Contribute to proposals, study designs and scientific presentations.
- Mentor colleagues, maintain high scientific quality standards and help introduce new technologies and capabilities.
This role involves travel to Edinburgh and other company sites as required.
About you:
- Deep expertise in biochemical and cell-based assay development and screening.
- Significant early drug discovery experience within an integrated drug discovery, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CRO environment.
- Proven experience designing, implementing and optimising screening cascades.
- Strong understanding of the drug discovery process from target validation through candidate selection.
- Experience developing novel assays and translating scientific questions into fit-for-purpose screening and profiling strategies.
- Experience with HTRF, AlphaLISA, ELISA, fluorescence, luminescence, high-content imaging and related platforms.
- Experience of assay automation and high-throughput screening.
- Proven scientific leadership, project delivery, mentoring and client-facing communication skills.
- Relevant PhD or equivalent postgraduate experience.
- Additional expertise in protein expression and purification, protein characterisation, biophysical assays, would be advantageous.
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 - Assay Development & Screening employer: Concept Life Sciences
At Concept Life Sciences, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chapel-en-le-Frith where your expertise in peptide chemistry can truly shine. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous benefits, and a culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on drug discovery projects while enjoying a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - Assay Development & Screening
✨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 - Assay Development & Screening
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!
