Scientist / Senior Scientist – Discovery Bioanalysis & Biotransformation
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK
About Pharmaron
Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (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.
We are now looking for a Scientist and a Senior Scientist to join our growing Discovery Bioanalysis and Biotransformation team in Hoddesdon. These roles will support the delivery of fast-paced discovery projects, providing high-quality LC-MS data across a broad range of in vitro and in vivo studies.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on science, problem-solving and working as part of a collaborative team. The role offers broad exposure across discovery bioanalysis, DMPK/ADME support, in vivo PK analysis, metabolite ID and other high-throughput workflows — giving you the opportunity to develop across several areas that may sit in separate teams in larger organisations.
The level of appointment will depend on experience. We are open to early-career Scientists with relevant LC-MS exposure and strong potential, as well as more experienced Senior Scientists who can bring deeper technical expertise, troubleshooting capability and greater independence.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Perform laboratory-based bioanalysis using LC-MS/MS to support discovery bioanalysis and biotransformation studies.
- Prepare and analyse samples from in vitro and in vivo studies, supporting rapid turnaround of high-quality data.
- Develop, optimise and troubleshoot LC-MS/MS methods for the analysis of small molecules, peptides and other discovery-stage compounds including proteins.
- Support high-throughput analytical workflows, including sample preparation, data generation, data review and reporting.
- Work closely with colleagues across discovery groups, to enable support of in-vitro and in-vivo workflows
- Contribute to pharmacokinetic analysis and interpretation, where appropriate.
- Support metabolite identification and structural elucidation activities using higher-end mass spectrometry platforms.
- For Senior Scientist-level candidates, provide greater technical independence, support troubleshooting of more complex analytical challenges, and help lead or coordinate programmes with limited supervision.
- For Scientist-level candidates, develop technical capability through hands-on training, project exposure and support from experienced scientists within the team.
Essential Requirements:
- BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biological Sciences or another relevant scientific discipline.
- An interest in bioanalysis, DMPK & ADME
- Some exposure to LC-MS, either through industry placement, postgraduate study or relevant academic projects.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality data.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a close, collaborative team.
- Proactive, curious and willing to learn new techniques, systems and scientific approaches.
- Organised, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Additional Requirements for Senior Scientist Level:
- Minimum 3 years’ relevant industry experience in bioanalysis using LC-MS to support qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Strong hands-on experience with LC-MS method development, optimisation, routine sample analysis and troubleshooting.
- Experience working in a high-throughput analytical or discovery-focused environment. Use of Python coding would be beneficial.
- Experience in sample extraction techniques and the use of automation platforms (Tecan D300, Agilent Bravo).
- Ability to work with greater independence and take ownership of assigned studies or workstreams.
- Good understanding of pharmacokinetic analysis, in vitro systems, DMPK and/or ADME workflows.
- Confidence communicating scientific updates and supporting project discussions.
- Experience supporting or mentoring more junior scientists would be advantageous.
Preferred Requirements:
- Use of Sciex MS instrumentation and associated software (Analyst and Sciex OS)
- Experience of Discovery MET-ID using QTOF instrumentation and structural elucidation
- Experience of using WinNonLin for PK analysis
- Use of Python coding
Our Company
Pharmaron is a dynamic, fast-growing CRO with a reputation for high-quality science. We provide research services to many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, helping to solve complex scientific challenges across the drug discovery and development pathway.
Our Hoddesdon site in Hertfordshire offers modern R&D facilities and a collaborative scientific environment supporting Discovery, Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Drug Discovery and Product Development activities.
Why Should You Apply?
- Join a successful and growing Discovery Bioanalysis and Biotransformation team.
- Gain broad exposure across LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, in vitro ADME support, in vivo PK analysis, metabolite ID and high-throughput discovery workflows.
- Work on varied client projects across early-stage drug discovery.
- Develop your expertise within a collaborative, supportive and technically strong team.
- Be part of a role where your scientific contribution directly supports the progression of new medicines.
- Build your career in a fast-paced CRO environment where you can continue to learn, develop and progress.
