Associate Scientist (12 Month FTC)

1. ROLE PURPOSE

The Associate Scientist provides vital scientific and operational support to project chemists and development teams across pipeline projects. This role contributes directly to the laboratory-scale development, optimization, and characterization of novel and existing drug substance routes, generating high-quality scientific data in full adherence to safety (EHS) and compliance (cGxP) standards.

2. ROLE DIMENSIONS & ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Complexity & Scope

Executes routine-to-semi-routine laboratory experiments and analytical testing where established SOPs and methodologies guide the work. Evaluates experimental parameters and applies sound observational judgment.

Supervision & Guidance

Works under the general direction of senior colleagues/supervisors. Receives detailed instruction on new assignments and ongoing coaching from experienced team members.

Internal Interaction

Collaborates productively with multidisciplinary laboratory colleagues, project chemists, and analytical teams.

Impact & Accountability

Responsible for individual laboratory precision, prompt escalation of anomalous observations, and accurate data recording to minimize rework or experimental delay.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Laboratory Execution & Chemical Development

·         Experimental Synthesis & Execution: Conduct bench-scale chemical syntheses, process development experiments, and reaction profiling under the guidance of senior scientists.

·         Technique & Equipment Mastery: Demonstrate routine competency across standard and complex laboratory equipment (e.g., reaction stations, automated reactors, parallel synthesis tools, and standard purification systems).

·         Hazard & Safety Management: Proactively assess chemical hazards, strictly adhere to Risk Assessments/COSHH guidelines, and safely handle hazardous materials at small scale while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant workspace.

Analytical Characterization & Data Integrity

·         Spectrometric & Physical Testing: Support the identification and characterization of reaction products, intermediates, and impurities using standard spectrometric and chromatographic techniques.

·         Electronic Record-Keeping: Meticulously capture all experimental procedures, observations, raw data, and analytical results in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and designated digital platforms in a timely manner.

·         Quality & cGxP Compliance: Comply with all applicable cGxP requirements, assist in drafting and updating laboratory procedures/documentation, and maintain an up-to-date personal training curriculum.

4. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONAL FOCUS: ANALYTICAL DEVELOPMENT

·         Routine & Reproducible Testing: Execute robust, reproducible analytical testing (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS, or related techniques) to support process chemistry and project milestones, documenting and reporting data according to established protocols.

·         Instrumentation Support: Assist with routine maintenance and servicing of analytical instrumentation in accordance with vendor specifications and internal SOPs.

5. CANDIDATE PROFILE: QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Core Knowledge

·         Essential: Higher qualification (HND, BSc, or equivalent) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.

·         Desirable: MChem, MSc, or equivalent advanced coursework in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, or analytical chemistry.

Technical & Computational Skills

·         Laboratory Competence: Practical, hands-on experience in small-scale chemical synthesis, reaction setup, standard separation techniques, and product characterization.

·         Digital & Informatics Literacy: Strong working knowledge of standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel) or equivalent. Basic familiarity or developing interest in AI-assisted scientific tools, predictive modelling, or automated laboratory software.

· Desirable Competencies

·         Familiarity with applied statistical methods or Design of Experiments (DoE) within a chemical or scientific environment.

·         Experience with predictive modelling workflows or AI applications in chemical synthesis/analytics.

Behavioural Attributes & Ways of Working

·         Attention to Detail: High standard of precision in experimental execution, observation, and data logging.

·         Agility & Continuous Learning: Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn new analytical methodologies, technologies, and standard procedures.

·         Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with a proven track record of building positive, cooperative and collaborative working relationships within a multidisciplinary laboratory team.