At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead physico-chemical studies and ensure compliance with international guidelines.
- Company: Join Smithers, a leader in environmental risk sciences and regulatory testing.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical cover, pension contributions, and flexible career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in environmental safety while working with diverse chemical classes.
- Qualifications: BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry; experience in GLP assessments required.
- Other info: Collaborate with bright colleagues on challenging projects in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Physico-Chemical Study Director to join the Physico-Chemical Assessment team, part of the Chemistry department within the Environmental Risk Sciences (ERS) division of Smithers, based in Harrogate. This role is ideal for a scientist with strong experience in physico-chemical testing and assessment under GLP, who is confident acting as Study Director and delivering high-quality, regulator-ready data in line with international guidelines. The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of chemical classes, supporting regulatory submissions and safety assessments for global clients.
Smithers ERS Limited provides a wide range of environmental and regulatory safety testing services for the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, biocidal, industrial, specialty chemical, antifouling and veterinary medicines sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine scientific excellence with regulatory insight to support decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Chemistry, the Physico-Chemical Study Director will take full scientific and regulatory responsibility for assigned GLP studies, from study design through to final reporting. You will work closely with analytical scientists, formulation specialists, QA, and clients to ensure studies are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to the highest scientific standard. All work will be conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including OECD, EU, and other international guidelines, and in accordance with GLP as defined in study plans, protocols, and work agreements.
Responsibilities
- Act as Study Director for Physico-Chemical studies conducted under GLP
- Design, plan, and oversee studies assessing safety, stability, and physico-chemical properties of test articles, products, and formulations
- Prepare, review, and approve study plans, amendments, deviations, and final reports
- Ensure studies are conducted in full compliance with GLP, regulatory guidelines, and internal quality systems
- Provide expert scientific input on method selection, data interpretation, and problem solving
- Liaise with clients, QA, and internal stakeholders to support successful study delivery
- Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and scientific best practice within the phys-chem group
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory queries as required
Qualifications and Experience
- BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrated experience conducting Physico-Chemical assessments under GLP
- Desire to step into a GLP Study Director role or acted as a Study Director previously
- Strong working knowledge of relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g. OECD, EU, biocidal/agrochemical frameworks)
- Experience working with a range of chemical classes, such as antifouling products, biocides, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary medicines.
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality scientific data to timelines, with strong attention to detail
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, organisational, and IT skills
- Experience in a CRO or regulated laboratory environment is highly desirable
We Offer
We offer opportunities to work on diverse, challenging projects with bright, interesting colleagues while building a flexible and rewarding career, as well as a multitude of benefits including:
- Private Medical with Bupa
- Employer matched pension contributions
- Ride to work scheme
- Life assurance cover
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free mortgage advice service
There has never been a better time to join us!
Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate employer: Smithers Group
Contact Detail:
Smithers Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that perfect role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase your skills in physico-chemical assessments.
β¨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Letβs get you that Physico-Chemical Study Director position!
We think you need these skills to ace Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Physico-Chemical Study Director role. Highlight your experience in physico-chemical testing and any relevant GLP work. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your skills in regulatory compliance and study direction.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, donβt forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can think on their feet and tackle challenges head-on, especially in a regulated environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithers Group
β¨Know Your GLP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, especially in physico-chemical assessments. This will show that youβre not just familiar with the regulations but can also implement them effectively.
β¨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Prepare to talk about specific projects where you acted as a Study Director or contributed significantly to physico-chemical studies. Highlight your experience with different chemical classes and how you ensured compliance with international guidelines. This will demonstrate your capability to deliver high-quality, regulator-ready data.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be liaising with clients and internal stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your problem-solving skills and how youβve collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication is key in this role!
β¨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current projects, team dynamics, and how they approach continuous improvement in their processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if itβs the right fit for you.