Associate Director

Nexus Life Sciences; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract research organization is seeking an Associate Director to provide strategic scientific leadership over the Small Molecule Bioanalysis function. Responsibilities include overseeing complex bioanalytical studies, managing teams, and ensuring quality and compliance. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in LC-MS/MS, a degree in a relevant field, and demonstrated leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Exceptional career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in relevant discipline, with significant leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis within a CRO or life science organization.
• Proven track record of leading LC-MS/MS method development and validation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level scientific leadership and strategic direction.
• Lead and expand the bioanalysis capability in line with regulatory expectations.
• Oversee the design and validation of LC-MS/MS methods.
• Act as senior scientific lead for high-profile client programs.

Skills

LC-MS/MS bioanalysis

Regulatory guidelines knowledge

Team leadership

Project management

Decision-making

Education

Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD preferred)

Job description

ROLE: Associate Director

Location: Confidential

Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. As part of their continued expansion, they are seeking a senior scientific leader to head their Small Molecule Bioanalysis function. The associate scientific director will provide high-level scientific leadership, strategic direction, and technical oversight of a multi-levelled team of bioanalytical scientists. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping scientific strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring the highest quality of bioanalytical output across client studies.

About the Role

The associate scientific director will provide high-level scientific leadership, strategic direction, and technical oversight of a multi-levelled team of bioanalytical scientists.

Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership & Strategy
• Lead and expand the small molecule bioanalysis capability, setting scientific direction and ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practice.
• Oversee the design, development, and validation of complex LC-MS/MS methods for quantitative bioanalysis in a range of biological matrices.
• Provide authoritative scientific guidance on study design, troubleshooting, assay strategy, and regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA, ICH).
• Drive scientific innovation, technology evaluation, and the implementation of new methodologies and instrumentation.

Project Oversight & Client Engagement

• Act as senior scientific lead for high-profile client programmes, ensuring successful delivery of complex bioanalytical studies.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, articulating scientific rationales, presenting findings, and representing the bioanalytical team during audits and technical discussions.
• Contribute to the development of technical proposals, supporting business development with high-level scientific expertise.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to scientists and principal investigators within the small molecule group.
• Ensure scientific integrity through detailed review and interpretation of complex data packages, reports, and validation summaries.
• Foster a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Operational & Departmental Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior leadership to contribute to departmental growth, resource planning, and capability development.
• Champion process optimisation, workflow efficiency, and laboratory excellence across the bioanalytical function.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with quality, project management, and other scientific teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline (PhD preferred; MSc considered with significant leadership experience).

Required Skills

• Extensive experience in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis within a CRO or life science organisation.
• Proven record of leading LC-MS/MS method development and validation programmes across discovery / nonclinical, / clinical stages.
• Deep understanding of regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA, ICH) and their practical application to bioanalytical workflows.
• Strong track record of scientific leadership, including managing teams and overseeing complex project portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to influence clients, defend scientific approaches, and lead high-level technical discussions.
• Experience in peptides, metabolites, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.
• Highly organised with strong decision-making ability and a collaborative leadership style.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in peptides, metabolites, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.

Pay range and compensation package

Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional opportunities for career advancement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices