Job IntroductionPackage DescriptionMaterials Characterisation ScientistPharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.We’re proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit .Is this you? Does a new XRPD pattern get you excited? Do you enjoy unravelling a polymorph landscape and helping a client land on the right salt and solid form? If so, we’d love to hear from you.As a Materials Characterisation Scientist, you’ll have the chance to put your knowledge of a wide range of analytical techniques to work. You’ll support the development and characterisation of Starting Materials, Intermediates, APIs and formulations, working closely with our Process Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Product Development and Analytical Chemistry colleagues.You’ll bring a background in Materials Characterisation and Analytical Chemistry, with expertise in XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, microscopy and PSD. Knowledge of crystallisation development, process analytical technology, chemical engineering, milling, polymorphism and crystallography, along with other analytical methodologies used to characterise APIs, would be a definite advantage.What’s in it for you at PharmaronA vibrant, dynamic place to work: we’re a highly specialised, growing company in a critical sector of the economy. Our future is strong and exciting, and you can be part of it.Room to grow: our rapid growth means more opportunities for you to learn, develop and progress faster.A team that has your back: we support each other and enjoy what we do. After all, you spend about a third of your time here!What you’ll bringAn MSc in Chemistry or a related subject with experience in Materials Characterisation, ideally in a Pharmaceutical Development role, or a BSc in Chemistry with at least 2 years’ relevant industrial experience in Materials CharacterisationSignificant expertise in developing and troubleshooting materials characterisation methods, including XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, microscopy and PSDIn-depth, hands-on and up-to-date knowledge of other analytical methodologiesKnowledge of data analytics and data visualisation toolsKnowledge of crystallisation methodologies relevant to drug substances (desirable)A strong scientific track record you’re proud ofBonus points if you also haveExperience with modelling and simulation toolsProficiency in computational software such as Gaussian, Materials Studio or ORCAExperience with force field methods (COMPASS, MMFF94)Experience with COSMO-RSExperience with electrostatic potential mapping and analysisExperience with energy minimisation and conformational analysisExperience with Hirshfeld surface analysis and lattice energy calculationsExperience with a coding languageWhat you’ll be doingHelping clients define their final salt and polymorphic form through a full materials characterisation assessmentRunning salt and polymorph screens using state-of-the-art High Throughput ExperimentationMapping the polymorph landscape for final APIs and identifying the thermodynamically stable formSupporting Process Chemistry in defining crystallisation processes by characterising starting materials, intermediates and APIsAssessing solubility in a variety of mediaCarrying out solid-state and solution-based stressed stability evaluationsDeveloping crystallisation proceduresSupporting preformulation assessment of final phasesWorking within project teams to tight deadlinesStepping in to learn new techniques whenever a project needs itSolving scientific problems as they ariseWorking effectively in a GMP laboratoryWho we are Come and join a cutting-edge company that tackles the toughest scientific challenges for the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.We’re passionate about advancing science and delivering solutions for our clients. We operate with ethics, integrity and professionalism, we work as a team, and we empower our people to reach their full potential.Where you’ll work Picture yourself on our Hoddesdon campus in Hertfordshire, a hub of innovation and excellence. It offers more than 5,000 m² of premier R&D space, including state-of-the-art GMP facilities for API, formulation and process chemistry. Your team Our Analytical Chemistry team provides vital support to our chemistry functions and science partners with advanced analytical solutions. We’re growing, and we’re looking for a Materials Characterisation Scientist to join us on that journey.Why should you apply?Make a real impact: your work will directly shape the solid form decisions behind our clients’ medicines, in a highly scientific and regulated environment.Build your career your way: in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards of Chemistry, with space to show leadership and ambition and grow with the department.Join people who love a challenge: a team that supports each other, embraces technical problems and puts excellence at the heart of everything we do. Frequency Annual Job Reference ukpharmaron/TP/141/780 Contract Type Permanent Contract Closing Date No expiry date Job Category Scientific (Analytical Chemistry) Division Process Chemistry Location Hoddesdon, United Kingdom Posted on 15 October, 2026
Materials Characterisation Scientist employer: Pharmaron Biologics
Pharmaron is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you can make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. As the Head of Partnerships, you'll have the opportunity to shape strategic relationships with leading global clients while benefiting from competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and robust employee growth opportunities within a fast-growing organisation. Join us in driving innovation and delivering high-quality services that support the development of life-changing therapies.
