At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop and optimise analytical methods for drug substances.
- Company: Sai Life Sciences, a fast-growing global leader in biotech and pharma.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, 25+ days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the biotech field while working with top pharma companies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; hands-on experience in analytical techniques required.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art facility at Alderley Park with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 48000 £ per year.
Role
Analytical Scientist (all levels)
Location
Alderley Park, Cheshire, England
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£32,000 – £60,000 (Salary based on experience)
Date posted
17 October 2025
Start date
ASAP
TheCompany
Sai Life Sciences is the fastest growing Indian Contract Research & Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO). It works with innovator biotech and pharmaceutical companies globally to accelerate their discovery, development and commercialisation of small molecules for a healthier tomorrow.
With more than 3000 staff globally, R&D facilities in Boston, Manchester & Hyderabad, and large-scale commercial manufacturing in Bidar, India, Sai today works with 18 of the top 25 pharma companies globally, as well as many leading smaller biotechs.
In 2020, the company opened its centre of excellence for process chemistry and analytical development at the Alderley Park Science Park in Manchester. The site today has >60 multi-disciplinary scientists (chemists, analysts and engineers).
On December 18, 2024, Sai Life Sciences was listed in the Indian Stock Exchange (Ticker: SAILIFE) following an IPO that was oversubscribed by >10 times.
Non-GMP manufacture of kg quantities of intermediates and APIs is currently possible within our bespoke Scaleup laboratory facility and a new GMP Kilo-lab facility was brought online in 2023 capable of kg quantities of GMP API suitable for early phase clinical studies. Developed processes are frequently transferred to Sai’s manufacturing sites in India for further scale-up when required.
This role is a great opportunity to execute/lead analytical projects, across a diverse portfolio in both the UK and India. You will also get to work closely with some of the most innovative biotech and pharma companies on their most important programs.
The role will be based in Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK and will require right to work in the UK. Occasional travel, domestic and international to India is optional.
The Role
- You will join a team that identifies, develops and optimises synthetic routes to small molecule drug substances (APIs), supporting both early and late phase development.
- To support chemistry projects, through state-of-the-art analytical lab-based work, develop, validate and carry out technical transfer of analytical methods globally and release analysis (GMP and non-GMP).
- To provide support to analytical instrumentation in a non-GMP, GLP or GMP environment.
- For more senior roles:
- Lead and guide the analytical development and delivery on complex chemistry projects as part of multidisciplinary teams and provide analytical expert advice to Process Chemistry colleagues.
Essential Requirements
- Higher or bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
- A background in Analytical Chemistry combined with hands‑on expertise in LC/GC and experience of other analytical methodologies utilised to characterise APIs, intermediates and raw materials.
- Experience in other analytical methodologies such as techniques for identity or form determination (e.g. NMR, MS, IR, XRD).
- Strong scientific track record.
- For more senior roles:
- Experience in regulatory requirements for the development and validation of LC/GC methods for content and the separation of impurities and degradation products in APIs including trace level analysis.
- Experience in out of specification and atypical result investigations.
- Analytical project leadership experience.
Desirable Requirements
- Understanding of GMP quality standards.
- Demonstrated analytical expertise supporting early, mid or late‑phase route and process development of APIs, intermediates and raw materials.
- Experience in contracting analytical testing with third parties and leading communications with customers.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Developing, troubleshooting, and validating analytical methods.
- Planning and executing analytical work to meet project timelines with minimal supervision.
- Working within multi‑functional project teams operating to tight deadlines.
- Able to work effectively to GMP quality standards.
- For more senior roles:
- Lead the analytical aspects of projects both at Alderley Park and with analysts in India.
- Lead a team of analysts to plan, supervise and execute analytical work to meet project timelines.
Key attributes
- Learning agility in the utilisation of new techniques to support projects.
- Ability to solve complex scientific problems.
- Excellent communication; both verbal and written with the ability to accurately detail laboratory experimentation in an electronic notebook and write clear and concise project reports and slides as required.
- A team player.
- Conscientious with a can‑do attitude with good attention to detail.
- Experience in the use of IT packages such as Word and Excel, as well as in Analytical Data systems such as Empower 3 or UNIFI. Understanding and experience of LIMS would also be advantageous.
The Offer
- A competitive Salary and Benefits package including company pension, health and life insurance, minimum 25 days holiday per year and enhanced family leave.
- Work in a state‑of‑the‑art facility on one of the country’s leading Biotech & Life Science Parks.
- Flexible working hours and conditions to suit the right candidate.
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Please note that Sai Life Sciences Ltd is currently unable to sponsor the visas for any candidates for the above role.
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Analytical Chemist (All levels) employer: Sai Life Sciences Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sai Life Sciences Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Chemist (All levels)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their work in analytical chemistry and think about how your skills can contribute. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
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Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Chemist (All levels)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Analytical Chemist role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your hands-on expertise in analytical methodologies like LC/GC.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Sai Life Sciences. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sai Life Sciences Ltd
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your analytical chemistry knowledge, especially techniques like LC/GC, NMR, and MS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, as this will show your hands-on expertise.
✨Understand the Company
Research Sai Life Sciences and their role in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and innovations, so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your experience with method development and validation. Think of specific examples where you've solved complex problems or led analytical projects, as these will highlight your capabilities.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team success in previous roles.