Proposals Coordinator – Discovery ADME/PK
Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organisation (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the UK, US, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.
We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.
About the role:
As a Scientific BD Proposals Coordinator within Discovery ADME/PK, you will support our Business Development and Scientific teams at our Hoddesdon site by preparing and coordinating scientifically accurate client proposals for early discovery services. You will also contribute to driving smooth and efficient operations by assisting the scientific teams in a number of areas, for example supplier management.
This role requires a practical background in in vitro ADME, discovery pharmacokinetics or discovery bioanalysis and an understanding of all three areas. You will use this experience to interpret client requests and scientific data, understand how in vitro ADME, in vivo PK and bioanalysis fit within the wider drug discovery process, identify missing information, and translate technical requirements into clear, tailored proposals with accurate costings, timelines and deliverables.
This is an opportunity for an ADME/PK, DMPK or bioanalysis scientist to move from the laboratory into a more commercially aligned role while continuing to apply their scientific expertise. As the role develops, there will be scope for increased interaction with clients, Business Development and internal operational teams.
Key roles and responsibilities:
- Prepare, update and track quotations and commercial opportunities for Discovery ADME/PK services.
- Interpret client requests and available scientific data to understand the required in vitro ADME, in vivo PK, bioanalysis and wider ADME study package.
- Identify missing or unclear information and work with Business Development and scientific operations to clarify study objectives, design assumptions and deliverables.
- Translate technical study requirements into clear, accurate and tailored client proposals.
- Apply scientific judgement to sense-check proposal content and help prevent technical errors, while escalating specialist questions appropriately.
- Work to fast proposal turnaround times, typically within 24 to 48 hours, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Monitor purchase orders, budgets, timelines and scope changes.
- Coordinate control matrix supply to meet client proposal demands.
- Support the preparation and renewal of client agreements.
- Provide regular updates to BD Managers on opportunity status and operational risks.
- Ensure opportunities and accounts are accurately maintained in Salesforce and supporting documentation is correctly managed.
- Review dashboards and reports, sharing relevant insights with Business Development and internal stakeholders.
- Coordinate and attend client and internal collaboration meetings, capturing actions and sharing clear meeting minutes.
- Act as a central point of coordination between clients, Business Development, project management, logistics and scientific operations.
- Support compound transfers and project timelines when required.
Requirements:
- BSc or MSc in pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related life science discipline.
- A minimum of 2-3 years of direct laboratory or project experience in discovery ADME/PK, in vivo pharmacokinetics and/or discovery bioanalysis.
- Practical understanding of how in vitro ADME, in vivo PK and bioanalysis support early drug discovery and compound progression.
- Ability to interpret ADME/PK or bioanalytical data and use it to understand study requirements, identify gaps and support proposal development.
- Understanding of the pace, flexibility and bespoke nature of discovery DMPK studies, as distinct from later-phase or regulated bioanalysis.
- Confidence discussing scientific requirements with ADME/PK scientists, operational teams and commercially focused colleagues.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality work within tight deadlines.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple proposals and priorities at the same time.
- Ability to work independently, use sound judgement and collaborate effectively across teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to different audiences.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Desirable:
- Broader in vitro ADME or DMPK experience.
- Experience contributing to proposals, study scoping, pricing, contracts or other commercial activities.
- Experience working in a CRO, pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
- Experience engaging with external clients or supporting client-facing scientific discussions.
- Experience using CRM systems such as Salesforce.
- Commercial awareness and a clear interest in developing within Business Development, proposals or client-facing scientific roles.
Who this opportunity may suit
This opportunity is likely to suit an ADME/PK, DMPK, in vivo PK or discovery bioanalysis scientist who wants to move away from day-to-day laboratory work and develop a more commercial career. We welcome applicants with the minimum relevant experience as well as more experienced scientists who can demonstrate the specific discovery PK/bioanalysis background required and a genuine motivation to move into proposals, Business Development or client-facing work.
Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges”.
We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work.
What’s in It for You?
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Exposure to a broad range of scientific services and commercial activities.
- The opportunity to build a meaningful career in a growing, global CRO.
