Scientist/Associate Scientist, Analytical Sciences in Liverpool

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the UK, US, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We are seeking a practical and proactive Scientist or Associate Scientist to join our Biologics Analytical Sciences team in Liverpool on a 12-month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover. The final appointment level will depend on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience.

This is a hands-on laboratory position focused primarily on HPLC and capillary electrophoresis, supporting the characterisation of complex biological products. You will work on a varied portfolio that may include antibodies, viral vectors such as AAV, and gene therapy-related materials. You may also gain exposure to additional techniques including DLS, LC-MS and other biophysical characterisation methods.

You will join a collaborative team of seven colleagues, including two technical specialists, and receive training on high-end analytical instrumentation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in chromatography who would like to develop broader experience in biologics characterisation within a fast-paced scientific environment.

At Pharmaron we offer:

• Vibrant and dynamic employment – we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy – our future is strong and exciting!
• Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself – our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster!
• A great team where we all support each other – enjoy your work – after all you spend about a third of your time here!

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory-based analytical characterisation activities, with an immediate focus on HPLC and capillary electrophoresis.
• Support the testing and characterisation of complex biological products, including antibodies, viral vectors and gene therapy-related materials.
• Prepare, execute and accurately document analytical testing activities in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Support analytical method development, optimisation, phase-appropriate validation, method transfer and application.
• Review and interpret analytical data, identifying potential technical issues and escalating these appropriately.
• Complete laboratory records, test records, protocols, development reports and other documentation accurately and on time.
• Undertake day-to-day administrative activities associated with the Quality Management System.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables and appropriate standards of housekeeping.
• Work in accordance with applicable quality, regulatory, EHS and GMP requirements.
• Contribute to 5S, operational excellence and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with technical specialists and the wider multidisciplinary project team to meet agreed timelines and scientific objectives.

Requirements:

• BSc, MSc or equivalent qualification in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, life sciences or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Practical laboratory experience using HPLC or capillary electrophoresis, together with a good understanding of the underlying principles of the technique(s).
• Relevant laboratory experience gained within the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, analytical chemistry or another appropriate scientific environment.
• Sufficient hands-on laboratory experience to contribute effectively following a focused training and onboarding period.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new analytical techniques and laboratory methods.
• Experience within a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical analytical laboratory.
• Experience with additional chromatography or characterisation techniques, such as mass spectrometry, DLS or other biophysical methods.
• Experience working with antibodies, AAV, viral vectors, gene therapy products or other complex biologics.
• Knowledge of analytical method development, optimisation, validation or method transfer.
• Experience working within a GMP or regulated laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of applicable quality systems and regulatory requirements.
• Experience of preparing procedures, protocols, test records or analytical reports.

Our Liverpool facility provides integrated biologics development and manufacturing services across Analytical and Process Sciences. The site has an established track record in biologics development and offers capabilities supporting gene therapy drug substance development, viral vectors, plasmid DNA and analytical release and characterisation activities.

Why should you apply?

• Develop your experience in the analytical characterisation of complex biologics.
• Gain practical exposure to advanced scientific equipment and a broader range of analytical techniques.
• Learn from experienced technical specialists within a supportive team.
• Work on varied biological products, including antibodies, viral vectors and gene therapy-related materials.
• Make a meaningful contribution quickly within a focused 12-month assignment.
• Build valuable experience that can support your future scientific career.

At Pharmaron, we do more than manufacture batches. We develop medicines.