Senior Scientist – Virology
Northreach supports innovative biotechnology companies with specialist scientific and operational hiring. We are currently partnering with a growing UK biotech company seeking an experienced Virologist to lead key activities across its discovery and preclinical development programmes.
This is a broad, hands-on position combining virology expertise, experimental design, external study oversight and cross-functional project leadership. You will work across internal R&D teams and specialist CRO partners to develop assays, manage studies and generate high-quality data that informs programme decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and oversee virology assays supporting discovery and preclinical programmes
- Lead in vitro and in vivo studies delivered internally and through external CROs
- Develop, optimise and troubleshoot cell-based infectivity and neutralisation assays
- Translate programme objectives into clear experimental plans
- Review CRO protocols, study reports, timelines and data packages
- Analyse and interpret scientific data, identifying appropriate follow-up activities
- Communicate study progress, results, risks and recommendations to cross-functional teams
- Contribute to programme strategy, regulatory documentation and development planning
- Maintain high-quality scientific records and support publications, patent applications and presentations
- Identify scientific and delivery risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans
About You
- PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in virology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology or a related discipline
- Strong understanding of virus biology, viral pathogenesis and mechanisms of action
- Hands-on experience working with live viruses, pseudoviruses or viral vectors in a CL2 environment
- Experience developing and troubleshooting cell-based virology assays
- Strong mammalian cell-culture and molecular-biology experience
- Ability to independently design experiments and critically interpret complex data
- Experience managing studies through CROs or external scientific partners
- Comfortable working across discovery and preclinical development
- Strong organisational, project-management and stakeholder-communication skills
- Experience within a biotechnology environment and an adaptable, hands-on approach
Desirable Experience
- Experience working with respiratory viruses or other clinically relevant viral pathogens
- Monoclonal antibody discovery, B-cell biology or antibody-characterisation experience
- Oversight of regulatory-compliant, GxP, translational or in vivo studies
This opportunity would suit a commercially aware scientist who enjoys combining technical virology with project ownership and external partner management. You should be comfortable operating within a fast-moving biotech environment where priorities and timelines can evolve quickly.
Senior/Laboratory Research Scientist in City of London employer: Northreach
Join a dynamic biotechnology company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions directly impact groundbreaking research and development. With a focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills in contract management while working alongside talented scientific teams in a vibrant location. Enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a rapidly expanding sector, where your role as Contracts Manager will be both meaningful and rewarding.
