At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead formulation strategy and hands-on development in a cutting-edge lab.
- Company: Join a pioneering team at a next-gen formulation facility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for ownership, and a chance to shape the future of science.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities in Oxford or Cambridge.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative lab where AI and robotics enhance scientific discovery.
- Qualifications: Hands-on formulation experience and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are building a next-generation formulation facility where AI proposes experiments, robotics run them, and scientists steer the science.
About the Role
We are looking for a hands-on formulation scientist who wants to help build it from the ground up and stay close to the bench while doing it. This is a rare mix: real ownership and a small team to lead, without giving up the lab work that got you here.
Responsibilities
- Lead formulation strategy and run hands-on development across oral solids, suspensions, lipid systems, controlled-release, your priority dosage forms.
- Develop and operate analytical and characterisation methods, including HPLC/UPLC, dissolution, DSC, particle sizing and more.
- Own projects end to end, from formulation design through to data and decisions.
- Help translate manual workflows into automated, reproducible, higher-throughput processes.
- Work alongside ML, data and automation colleagues to feed a closed-loop platform.
- Grow and mentor a small team as the lab scales.
Qualifications
- Hands-on formulation bench experience within the last 5 years, not just oversight.
- Method development experience, actively operating lab equipment within the last 5 years.
- Leadership or clear project ownership. Leading a small team counts, owning a project end to end counts.
- Based in, or happy to be on-site in, Oxford or Cambridge.
- Degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field. MSc or PhD welcome, but your bench track record matters most.
Required Skills
- Exposure to lab automation, high-throughput experimentation or self-driving labs.
- Familiarity with design of experiments, Bayesian optimisation or ML-guided experimentation.
- ELN or LIMS experience, and advanced drug delivery (LNP, long-acting injectable, controlled release).
Principal Formulation Scientist (Founding Lab Lead) in Oxford employer: Stealth AI Startup
Join us at the forefront of innovation in our next-generation formulation facility, where you'll have the unique opportunity to lead a small, dynamic team while remaining hands-on in the lab. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, with access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to mentor emerging talent. Located in the vibrant hubs of Oxford or Cambridge, we offer an inspiring environment that champions scientific excellence and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Formulation Scientist (Founding Lab Lead) in Oxford
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Stealth AI Startup. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Stealth AI Startup.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Stealth AI Startup. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Stealth AI Startup is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Formulation Scientist (Founding Lab Lead) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Stealth AI Startup!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Stealth AI Startup that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Stealth AI Startup!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Stealth AI Startup, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stealth AI Startup
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Stealth AI Startup that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Stealth AI Startup’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
