For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
Senior Scientist – In Vitro Biology
Are you a scientist passionate about working with primary human immune cells?
Does the field of drug discovery excite and motivate you?
If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for talented and curious individuals to join our global Contract Research Organisation dedicated to improving health and transforming lives.
You’ll have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of science while developing your career in a collaborative and supportive environment.
With access to world-class facilities, meaningful projects, and clear progression pathways, this is your chance to make a real impact in drug discovery and human health.
As a Senior Scientist I or II within our In-Vitro Biology team based in Portishead, you’ll be working independently under strategic guidance with understanding and application of scientific and technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in a predominantly lab-based environment.
Main Tasks:
- Independently run a wide range of immunological assays using techniques such as flow cytometry, IncuCyte, MACS sorting, culture and differentiation of primary cells and cell lines, ELISA, Luminex, TR-FRET, and ex-vivo tissue processing.
- Implement available assays and develop new immunological assays to support the in vitro biology capabilities in the areas of immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease and inflammation (inc. neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
- Interrogate own and others data to generate reports where conclusions/future directions are scientifically sound and provide technical and scientific leadership to drive project progression.
- Guide, coach and mentor junior scientific staff, helping to train on specific techniques and provide technical knowledge, where needed.
- Project lead or deputy-Project lead or execute IVB studies with minimal supervision from the Project lead.
- Leverage BD/CS and operational team to introduce novel work for the site, including scoping calls with client and revision of scientific project proposals.
As well as:
- Work effectively and collaboratively as part of assigned project teams. Able to communicate effectively across peers, embodying the Charles River Values daily, and acting as a role model in their position and to Technicians, Associate Scientists, Scientists I and II.
- Demonstrate accurate time keeping and efficient scheduling of own work, often across several projects.
- Accurately present scientific information and discuss future directions internally and externally.
- Keep an awareness of relevant scientific literature and best laboratory practices.
- Appropriate use of quality and compliance processes, and adherence to all study procedures e.g. time tracking, project templates etc. Contribute and participate in Continuous Improvement projects, offering possible suggestion to any problems.
- Adhere to all EHS standards when onsite, ensuring best practice and always operates in a safe manner. Able to recognise and report any EHS incidents or issues to management.
- Understanding of drug discovery process and awareness of strategic goals for their respective department. Active contribution to the site’s scientific community forums.
Skills and Qualifications
- As a minimum, an MSc with a biological focus.
- Demonstrable lab-based experience in disciplines of immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease and inflammation (inc. neuroinflammation).
- Awareness of Health and Safety standards within the labs and ability to work safely within this environment
- Excellent communication skills, able to relay scientific information accurately.
- Strong passion for working within drug discovery, able to keep abreast of industry updates and share amongst peer groups.
- Strong problem solving and communication skills, with ability to work collaboratively within a team
- Proficient in IT – Microsoft, Outlook, and Teams.
- Clear understanding and grasp of the drug discovery process.
- Being able to work to tight timelines and the ability to modify workflow.
It would be advantageous, but not essential if you have:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Skills and understanding of Flow Cytometry, cancer immunology and sample handling.
- Complex immunology experience.
- Demonstrable practical skills in executing biological assays in a pharma/biotech/CRO environment.
- Previous industry experience in the labs, ideally from pharma/CRO/biotech.
- A very comprehensive benefits package from day one, including a generous pension contribution, private medical for you (and can add family members), private dental care, critical illness cover, bonus and more!
- Access to great discounts via our CREDS discount scheme.
- Global opportunities and strong career progression.
- The chance to work on several varied projects and liaise globally and nationally with other business areas.
- To be able make a difference to health and wellbeing of people.
- To continue your own career growth.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Parental leave.
- Group Life Assurance and Group Income Protection.
- Remote GP access 24/7.
- Well being support and initiatives.
- Cycle to work scheme.
About Discovery
Discovery from Charles River is industry-proven in the successful development of novel therapies, with over 350 patents and 80 preclinical drug candidates delivered to our sponsors in the past 17 years. Backed by more than 650 scientists, our comprehensive, integrated portfolio employs the latest technology and platforms to provide chemistry, biology, and pharmacology services that support clients from the earliest stages of hit identification all the way through to IND. Our client-focused, collaborative approach creates true partnerships that anticipate challenges, overcome obstacles, and move us forward together on the journey of getting new drugs to market.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.
At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.
