At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative R&D projects in virology and microbiology, driving scientific excellence.
- Company: Join LGC, a global leader in life science tools with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on continuous improvement and scientific innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the research community with your expertise and ambition.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology or related field, with 5+ years of relevant R&D experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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 organization.
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!
- Additional Information
- ABOUT LGC
LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission‑critical components and solutions into high‑growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments.
Its high‑quality product portfolio is comprised of mission‑critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.
OUR VALUES
- PASSION
- CURIOSITY
- INTEGRITY
- BRILLIANCE
- RESPECT
- 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.
- For more information about LGC, please visit our website www. lgcgroup. com
- #scienceforasaferworld
- Principal Scientist • Kidlington, OXFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom
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Principal Scientist employer: LGC Group
LGC Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in a remote work environment. With a strong focus on enhancing partner engagement and performance, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages innovation and strategic thinking. The company offers comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that team members can advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects within the TIC sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist
✨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 LGC Group, 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 LGC Group. 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
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 LGC Group. 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 LGC Group. 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 LGC Group
✨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 LGC Group. 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 LGC Group to drive research projects forward.
