Principal Scientist in Kidlington

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Scientist to join LGC's Research team.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a technical expert with deep expertise in recombinant protein expression, virology, or microbiology.

Experience in immunoassay development, antibody discovery, or display technologies is ideal.

As a Principal Scientist, you will direct complex scientific programmes covering new product development, technology innovation, and custom/co-creation projects.

You will function in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, ensuring projects are finalized on time, within budget, and to the highest scientific standards.

Reporting directly to the Director of R&D, you will own project strategy, manage execution, and ensure delivery.

You will also mentor colleagues and help foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary R&D projects, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.
• Build and implement scientific project plans, workflows, and experimental strategies within your area of expertise.
• Take full responsibility for project planning, costing, execution, and completion, often across multiple parallel workstreams.
• Act as a technical authority, continuously refining methodologies and educating team members in your specialist domain.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators.

Present results and progress updates to senior management, customers, and the wider LGC organisation.

Clearly explain the scientific rationale, technical challenges, and strategic value of projects.

• Critically assess data and literature, confidently interpreting and communicating findings from published biological research to diverse audiences.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges through structured root-cause analysis and innovative problem‑solving.
• Develop and maintain high-quality documentation, including SOPs, protocols, and batch production records.
• Work safely and confidently within a BSL-2 laboratory, handling viral, bacterial, and protozoal pathogens in compliance with all relevant biosafety regulations.
• Contribute to and thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team environment, demonstrating strong organisational skills and accountability.

Qualifications

• Ph D in biology or related subjects; or equivalent scientific experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a R&D laboratory, ideally in a commercial entity.
• Proven capability to guide intricate scientific projects from inception through to completion.
• Strong analytical approach with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve scientific challenges independently.
• Strong communication skills, able to convey complex technical concepts clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Confident in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and AI tools.
• Experience working in a quality regulated and/or biosafety level 2 environment is desirable.

LGC is committed to encouraging an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member can succeed.

Join us in our mission to deliver world‑class scientific solutions and make a significant impact in the research community.

Your expertise and ambition will be instrumental in helping us achieve outstanding results!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.

Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

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