At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead GMP analytical strategy and conduct hands-on laboratory work on diverse client projects.
- 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: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the scientific community while mentoring others and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field with extensive experience in GMP analytical environments.
Concept Life Sciences is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist (Analytical) to provide GMP & scientific leadership, and hands-on expertise within both regulated and non-regulated environments. This is a senior scientific role combining strategic influence, technical authority, and active laboratory contribution, supporting a diverse portfolio of client projects across small molecules and emerging modalities.
As a Principal Scientist (Analytical), you will shape and lead the GMP analytical strategy across a diverse portfolio of client projects, combining hands‑on laboratory work with senior scientific leadership. You will design, execute, and interpret complex analytical studies, delivering high‑quality, compliant data that supports process development, technical investigations, and informed decision‑making. Working closely with process chemists, project teams, quality colleagues, and clients, you will act as a trusted scientific partner, collaborating across disciplines to solve challenging technical problems and ensure analytical approaches are robust, fit for purpose, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Alongside project delivery, you will model scientific excellence, uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, and actively mentor and develop colleagues, helping to strengthen analytical capability, innovation, and scientific culture across the organisation.
You will be passionate about delivering high‑quality analytical science, combining hands‑on laboratory expertise with leadership to drive robust, compliant outcomes in a GMP environment. Scientific integrity, data quality, safety, and regulatory compliance will be central to everything you do, alongside a strong focus on meeting client and project requirements. You will be a highly skilled analytical scientist with extensive experience in method development, validation, troubleshooting, and advanced characterisation techniques. You will act as a trusted scientific partner, working collaboratively to shape analytical strategy and solve complex technical challenges. You will enjoy mentoring and developing others, actively contributing to capability building, knowledge‑sharing, and a positive, inclusive scientific culture. You will hold a PhD (or equivalent postgraduate qualification) in a relevant scientific discipline, with significant experience working in regulated (GMP) analytical laboratory environments.
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.
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 – GMP Analytical 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 – GMP Analytical
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Concept Life Sciences, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Concept Life Sciences. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist – GMP Analytical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Concept Life Sciences. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Concept Life Sciences. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Concept Life Sciences
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Concept Life Sciences. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Concept Life Sciences to drive research projects forward.
