Principal Scientist I (LCMS/MS) in Macclesfield

Overview: The Principal Scientist I (Mass Spectrometry) aids in driving strategic scientific growth within our mass spectrometry group by leading high-impact value‑creation initiatives, mentoring junior staff, and expanding in-house capabilities. You will support business development through scientific proposal writing, client interactions, and by serving as a subject-matter expert on advanced bioanalytical assays with predominantly LC‑MS endpoints. Your leadership will champion scientific excellence, reinforce GxP compliance, and elevate our CRO’s reputation via publications, workshops, and cross-functional collaborations.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with BD teams to develop scientific content for proposals, drive technical discussions with clients, and cultivate long-term relationships.
• Identify emerging industry needs and oversee Value Creation Projects (VCPs) and advance in-house capabilities to expand our assay portfolio.
• Lead feasibility studies and perform/oversee method development for the complex bioanalytical assays requested by our clients (including small molecules, large molecules, and new modalities at all stages of the development cycle).
• Lead transfer of the methods to study delivery group for validation and sample analysis, and monitor study progress as the methods are employed.
• Serve as the SME for complex bioanalytical assays (scientific rationale, sample preparation, chromatography, mass spectrometry, hybrid applications, troubleshooting, etc.).
• Mentor and train junior and mid-level scientists on advanced assay design, troubleshooting, data analysis, regulatory requirements and GxP documentation.
• Delegate responsibilities and review deliverables to ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and on-time delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement through internal audits, protocol enhancements, and corrective-preventive action initiatives.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, workshops, and in peer-reviewed publications to showcase our capabilities and thought leadership.

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or related discipline with ≥2 years’ industry experience OR MSc/BSc in a relevant field with ≥7 years’ hands-on experience.
• Deep expertise in regulated bioanalytical environments (GLP/GCP) and familiarity with ICH bioanalytical guidelines.
• Demonstrated track record leading/performing development of bioanalytical LC‑MS assays for PK and/or PD applications in biological fluids and tissues using triple quadrupole instruments.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proven experience in business-facing roles: proposal writing, client presentations, and technical negotiations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in the bioanalytical quantitation of large molecules and new modalities using LC-MS.
• History of leading or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications or patents in bioanalysis.
• Performed role of Study Director/ Principal Investigator/ Responsible Scientist in the support of regulatory studies.
• Bioanalytical CRO experience.
• Experienced user of high-resolution mass spectrometers.
• Experience of interactions with health authorities (FDA, EMA, MHRA).