Senior Biophysical Characterisation Scientist - Lead Projects

Due to continued growth and increasing client demand, Intertek Melbourn is recruiting for an experienced Senior / Principal Biological Characterisation Scientist to join our Biological Characterisation team within our regulated laboratory environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and technically strong scientist to support complex biological and biophysical characterisation studies for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients within a fast‑paced GxP‑regulated CRO environment. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in complex macromolecular characterisation, high‑resolution mass spectrometry, protein and oligonucleotide analysis, and advanced analytical techniques used to support biologics and large molecule development. The level of appointment will be dependent on experience, technical capability, and ability to independently lead client‑facing projects.

ABOUT YOU

This role is ideal for a scientist with a strong background in biological and biophysical characterisation of biopharmaceutical products, who enjoys solving complex analytical challenges and working within a collaborative laboratory environment. For Senior Scientist level, you may already possess strong technical expertise and be looking to further develop your industry and client‑facing experience. For Principal Scientist level, you will bring significant industry experience, commercial awareness, and the confidence to independently lead complex client projects within a CRO or pharmaceutical environment.

Required skills and experience:

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline
• Strong experience working with biological and biophysical characterisation techniques for biopharmaceutical products
• Experience working with large molecules, proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides and/or biologics
• Strong understanding of high‑resolution mass spectrometry techniques and macromolecular characterisation
• Experience of method development, optimisation and validation
• Experience working within a GxP‑regulated laboratory environment with a solid understanding of GMP and GLP requirements
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving capability
• Excellent data interpretation, technical writing and reporting skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines simultaneously
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging with colleagues and clients

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Intact mass analysis
• Peptide mapping
• Impurity profiling
• Oligonucleotide and/or mRNA analysis
• Deconvolution software and complex data interpretation
• Spectroscopic techniques (e.g. Circular Dichroism, FTIR)
• Thermal characterisation techniques, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and thermal transition analysis
• c-IEF, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE
• ELISA and plate-based residual impurity assays
• Advanced chromatography or macromolecular characterisation techniques
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical clients within a CRO or contract laboratory environment
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior scientists

For Principal Scientist level applicants, experience in the following areas would be highly advantageous:

• Independently leading complex client‑facing projects
• Managing analytical studies end‑to‑end within timeline and budget requirements
• Providing technical leadership and strategic scientific input
• Supporting business development activities and technical client discussions
• Delivering analytical services within a fast‑paced commercial laboratory environment

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

On a daily basis, you will work as a key member of the Biological Characterisation team, delivering high‑quality analytical services to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients while supporting the continued growth of our scientific capability. The role involves working across complex projects of varying scale and scope, supporting technical delivery, client relationships, continuous improvement initiatives, and scientific excellence within the laboratory.

Key activities:

• Lead complex biological and biophysical characterisation studies for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients
• Perform independent method development, optimisation and validation using a range of analytical techniques
• Plan, execute and interpret analytical work with minimal supervision
• Generate high‑quality scientific data, reports and technical documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Deliver analytical services in line with GMP and GLP standards
• Troubleshoot complex analytical and technical challenges and develop fit‑for‑purpose solutions
• Communicate confidently with clients regarding study design, technical strategy and interpretation of results
• Support Business Development through technical input into quotations, proposals and client discussions
• Demonstrate commercial awareness when planning and delivering analytical work
• Support the training, mentoring and development of junior scientists and colleagues
• Collaborate proactively across teams to ensure efficient project delivery and client satisfaction
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the growth of the Biological Characterisation capability

All work will be carried out in accordance with Intertek procedures, regulatory standards, and safety requirements.

WHAT WE OFFER

Join Intertek and become part of our global network of inspiring and entrepreneurial colleagues. We are a global family that values diversity and we thrive working together with precision, pace, and passion. We are working to make the world Ever Better, ensuring the quality, safety and sustainability of products and services used by millions of people around the world.

• Competitive salary/benefits
• Development and career opportunities around the Globe
• Working in a highly motivated team and dynamic working environment

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against applicants, and all qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to fair and equitable pay and are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, ensuring our colleagues are compensated in line with independently assessed living standards. We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment to support candidates and employees with disabilities or special needs. Intertek operates a preferred supplier arrangement, and we do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies.