NextPharma is a leading European pharmaceutical CDMO focused on attractive technology niches.
Since its establishment in 1989, the Livingston site has grown into a globally recognised centre of excellence for advanced drug delivery. We specialise in the development and application of both established and cutting-edge encapsulation technologies, with particular expertise in lipid-based formulations, liquid-filled hard capsules, and hot melt extrusion.
Supported by modern facilities and seamless scale-up into commercial manufacturing, our site offers a unique environment where innovation meets industrial capability. We are proud to play a pivotal role in bringing complex formulations from concept to market, partnering with global customers to deliver high-quality, effective medicines.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to be the leading and most trusted, reliable and innovative Europe-based CDMO by upholding the highest industry standards and exceeding customer expectations, while driving strong, sustainable growth for the company.
Job Purpose Development Analyst:
To conduct analysis, technical stability studies, and the development, validation and transfer of analytical methods. The role will be responsible for providing technical expertise at both a theoretical and practical level. The ideal candidate will therefore have a pharmaceutical analysis background and have gained experience within a cGMP, FDA and MHRA regulated environment. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and play an active role in analytical testing of complex formulations from development through to clinical manufacture.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
- Actively participate in, and take ownership of, analytical activities to determine the fitness for purpose of finished products ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards
o Conduct analysis to support formulation development
o Perform method development, validation and transfer of analytical methods for liquid filled hard capsules.
- Conduct technical stability analysis
- Conduct analysis to support product progression through clinical phases
- Act as a key point of contact for assigned projects, proactively engaging with clients and internal stakeholders to drive progress, resolve challenges, and ensure successful delivery
- Lead the planning, design, execution, and reporting of experimental work, ensuring activities are delivered to a high scientific standard and within agreed timelines
- Demonstrate accountability for data interpretation and decision-making, providing clear conclusions and well-justified recommendations to advance projects
- Technically competent in analytical activities (e.g., method development and validation, HPLC, GC, Karl Fischer and Dissolution) under current cGMP and ICH Q2.
- Take responsibility for the preparation of high-quality client documentation, including development and validation protocols and reports
- Checking of analytical data
- Provide expert technical support, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process optimisation initiatives, ensuring analytical methods are fit for purpose
9. Contribute to a high-performing team environment by mentoring and developing less experienced colleagues, fostering engagement, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement
Person Profile: Development Analyst
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate resilience and composure, thriving under pressure and embracing challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Act with integrity and accountability, confidently communicating facts in a clear and constructive manner, building trust with colleagues and clients, and taking ownership of decisions and outcomes — including learning from mistakes
- Exhibit sound judgement and decision-making, drawing on data, experience, and insight to make timely, well-informed choices that move projects forward
- Take ownership of priorities, driving focus on what matters most, effectively managing time and resources while removing barriers to progress and maintaining project momentum
- Apply strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving skills, using data-driven approaches to overcome complex challenges and deliver effective, practical solutions
- Embrace continuous improvement, actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes, ways of working, and technical approaches
- Demonstrate a growth mindset, showing curiosity, openness to feedback, and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
- Thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and energised team environment, contributing positively to team culture and bringing enthusiasm to shared goals
Personal Situation
Flexible and able to work extended hours when required.
Specific Job Skills:
Required:
· Relevant qualification, HNC/HND/Science Degree or Equivalent in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline
· An understanding of drug development and manufacturing processes
· Demonstrated technical competence in the technical and practical skills involved in analytical activities to prescribed quality standards
· Must be skilled in analytical techniques e.g., HPLC, Dissolution, Gas Chromatography, and Karl Fischer techniques
· Experience of the technical and practical skills involved in stability studies, method development, transfer and validation
· Able to communicate well with other colleagues, both laboratory and non-laboratory based
· A self-motivated and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently while taking ownership of deliverables
· Good understanding of working within a cGMP/GLP environment.
Desired:
· Experience of working within a fast paced pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
· Minimum 3 years previous relevant experience in similar environment
· Ability to work to key regulatory and compliance requirements
· Experience of Chromeleon software
· Experience of chemical analysis within a pharmaceutical environment (with drug products for preclinical and clinical trials).
· Experience of data reporting and data checking to GMP standards
· Able to work with minimal supervision and provide guidance to junior analysts
· Understand and demonstrate a pragmatic approach to problem solving within GMP constraints
· Able to communicate well via written media with specific emphasis on report writing
Digital & Data Skills: Proficient in MS Office and modern digital tools, with the ability to analyse, manage, and present data effectively
Technical Writing & Data Interpretation: Strong scientific writing skills with the ability to interpret and clearly communicate analytical and experimental data
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Confident communicator able to engage effectively with clients and cross-functional teams across multiple formats
Leadership & People Development: Ability to lead, coach, and mentor others while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team environment
Please note – only applicants with a permanent Right to Work in the UK will be considered
Remuneration Package:
Basic Salary: £DOE
Private Medical Insurance
Health Cash Plan
Contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
NextPharma is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Benefits:
- Company events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
