At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery through SPR and biophysical assays, shaping future screening capabilities.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, hybrid work model, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: PhD or Master's in a relevant field with expertise in SPR and biophysical assays.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Make your mark for patients. We are looking for a Principal Scientist – SPR and Biophysical Assays who is innovative, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous to join our team in In Vitro Pharmacology, based at our UCB campus in Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom.
About the role:
- As a Principal Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing drug discovery programs across Patient Solutions by generating critical SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and biophysical assay data.
- You will provide scientific leadership, influence project decisions, and help shape the future of biophysical screening capabilities.
- You will contribute from target validation through candidate selection while driving innovation, continuous improvement, and the adoption of new technologies.
Who you will work with:
- You will work within the In Vitro Pharmacology organization and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams across research sites.
- You will partner with scientists working on antibodies, small molecules, and emerging therapeutic modalities while acting as a technical expert in SPR and biophysical assays.
- You will also mentor junior scientists and help strengthen capabilities across the wider discovery community.
What you will do:
- You will design, develop, and optimize SPR and biophysical assays for therapeutic discovery programs.
- You will generate binding, affinity, kinetic, competition, and epitope binning data to support decisions.
- You will autonomously lead complex studies addressing challenging scientific questions and novel therapeutic modalities.
- You will champion new technologies, automation solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
- You will present high-quality scientific data and influence project strategy across multidisciplinary teams.
- You will mentor scientists, share expertise, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
- Provide coaching and scientific guidance to junior team members, supporting their development and contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
- Where appropriate, contribute to people leadership activities, including mentoring, onboarding, and supporting the development of fellow scientists.
Interested? For this role, we are looking for the following education, experience, and skills:
- PhD, Master's degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Extensive expertise applying SPR to antibody and/or small molecule discovery programs.
- Proven experience developing, optimizing, and validating complex biophysical assays independently.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and therapeutic candidate progression.
- Excellent communication skills with experience influencing multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- Adaptable, highly organized, and enthusiastic about implementing innovative technologies and approaches.
- Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting the development of scientists is highly valued.
- Previous team leadership or line management experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
- Demonstrated ability to influence, guide, and develop colleagues within a scientific environment is appreciated.
At UCB, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. If you are passionate about advancing innovative medicines through cutting-edge biophysical sciences, we would love to hear from you.
Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
About us: UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
Why work with us? At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.
At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.
Principal scientist in Slough employer: UCB
UCB is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the vibrant field of immunology. With a strong focus on employee growth, UCB offers numerous opportunities for professional development and engagement in cutting-edge research projects. Located in a dynamic environment, employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful advancements in patient solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal scientist in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like UCB. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like UCB!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal scientist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show UCB that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at UCB.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that UCB does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCB
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at UCB. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into UCB's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at UCB. This shows your passion for the industry!
