Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 care, 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 £ 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, 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
- Eyecare vouchers
- 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
Contact Detail:
Smithers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate
✨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 it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨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 walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to showcase your expertise in physico-chemical assessments!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to GLP and regulatory guidelines. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
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 GLP studies you've directed. 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 passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your familiarity with regulatory guidelines like OECD and EU.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can think on their feet and provide expert scientific input. Share examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Physico-Chemical Study Director position. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithers
✨Know Your GLP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines before the interview. Being able to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations, but that you can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
Prepare to talk about specific physico-chemical studies you've directed or contributed to. Highlight your experience with different chemical classes and be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be liaising with clients and internal teams, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a straightforward manner. Use examples from your past work to illustrate your points, ensuring you convey your ability to communicate effectively across various stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Smithers values innovation and best practices, so come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to continuous improvement within the phys-chem group. Think of specific instances where you've implemented changes that enhanced study delivery or compliance, and be ready to share those insights.
