At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead peptide synthesis projects and tackle complex drug discovery challenges.
- Company: Join a leading science-driven CRO with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health plans, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while developing your expertise in peptide chemistry.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or related field with practical peptide chemistry experience.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
In this role, you will use your peptide chemistry expertise to help solve complex drug discovery challenges for our clients. You will take ownership of scientific work, contribute to multidisciplinary programmes and have the opportunity to influence how our peptide chemistry capability develops. Joining a science-led CRO, you will work across varied client projects where your ideas, scientific judgement and practical experience can make a genuine difference.
What you will be doing:
- Design, plan and deliver peptide synthesis activities using appropriate synthetic, purification and analytical approaches.
- Develop, optimise and troubleshoot synthetic protocols to improve quality, yield and efficiency.
- Interpret LC-MS, HPLC and related analytical data to confirm identity and purity.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to progress client programmes.
- Communicate findings clearly through discussions, reports and client interactions.
- Maintain high standards of safety, quality, documentation and scientific integrity.
About you:
- Degree or equivalent experience in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, peptide chemistry or a related discipline.
- Practical experience in peptide chemistry within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO or research environment.
- Strong knowledge of solid-phase peptide synthesis, purification and analytical characterisation.
- Confident problem-solver able to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Clear, collaborative communicator comfortable sharing recommendations with colleagues and clients.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting client research projects within a CRO or pharmaceutical environment.
- Lead a team of chemists/scientists on peptide drug discovery projects.
- Experience with peptide cyclisation, peptide conjugation and/or non-natural amino acid incorporation.
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.
Senior Scientist – Peptide Chemistry 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 Senior Scientist – Peptide Chemistry
✨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 Senior Scientist – Peptide Chemistry
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!
