Associate Director- Cellular Pharmacology

Sygnature Discovery Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Director for their Cellular Pharmacology department. This full-time, on-site role in Glasgow involves leading a talented cell biology team, providing technical oversight, and driving strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in a relevant field, with extensive experience in cellular pharmacology, cell-based assays, and receptor biology. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned scientist to influence high-impact projects and foster a collaborative environment. Join a company that values innovation and offers a supportive culture for professional growth and development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

Pension Scheme

1 paid volunteer day per year

Flexible benefits for wellbeing

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline with Drug Discovery experience required.
• Expertise in cell-based assays, cell line generation, and receptor biology is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the cell biology team while ensuring scientific excellence.
• Develop strategies for team growth and manage client project initiation.

Skills

Cellular Pharmacology

Cell-based Assays

Cell Line Generation

Receptor Biology

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Performance Management

Strategic Input

Education

PhD in Cell Line Biology or equivalent

Job description

About the role:

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Cellular Pharmacology department as an Associate Director at our Glasgow office. This is a full-time, on-site position.

The Associate Director’s primary responsibility will be to lead and support the cell biology team, but they will also play a key role in operational and leadership responsibilities across the department. Reporting to the Director of Cellular Pharmacology, they will support key decision-making to drive scientific excellence and shape the strategic direction of the department.

Expert knowledge of cellular pharmacology and its role in integrated drug discovery is essential, as this role will provide technical oversight across the cell biology team and give scientific guidance and mentorship to project teams.

Experience in directing cell-based assays, cell line generation, and receptor biology is a must, along with expertise in a range of technical and functional/therapeutic areas. Experience in GPCR research would be highly desirable.

This is a great opportunity for a scientist with significant relevant experience looking to step up into a senior leadership role and make a direct impact, or for an existing Associate Director seeking to join a global CRO, working on exciting, high-impact projects.

We're looking for someone with a creative, forward-thinking mindset, capable of driving innovative solutions and strategies. A strong team player, they will value and foster collaboration and have a track record of getting the best out of their team - driving exceptional results while demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Providing strong technical oversight across all work carried out within the cell biology team - may have some lab presence but will also have other significant non-lab-based roles and responsibilities.
• Developing a strategy for growth and development of the cell biology team – including capability build strategy.
• Involved in client project initiation and retention and/or pitching for new business.
• Scheduling of long-term work-plans over agreed timelines to ensure the objectives of the team(s) are met.
• Successfully aligning instrumental capacity with business resource and project proposals.
• Responsible for co-ordinating delivery of high-quality scientific data, interpretation and provides project direction to project teams together with the alignment of extended scientific disciplines within setting.
• Identifying areas for operational and process improvement/ efficiencies/ expansion to provide a scalable structure for future Departmental growth.
• Interaction with and influence of key stakeholders across the senior management level of the company.
• Line management duties (multiple direct reports, PS level and below) – takes a leading role in resource management, recruitment, and the development of scientists within the team.

Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD in relevant discipline (Cell Line Biology) or equivalent, with Drug Discovery experience in industry and/or relevant Postdoc.
• Strong technical insights and troubleshooting in cell-based assays, cell line generation, and receptor biology work.
• Experience of senior level interaction with key stakeholders, including report writing and presentation of findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Significant experience of multi-stream allocation of work to others and project leadership.
• Project-wide assessment of resources, timescales, and progress, including finalisation of quotes.
• Significant experience of performance management, appraisal, and identification of others operational training and development needs, including mentoring, training others, and transferring knowledge (written and verbal).
• Considerable experience of providing strategic input into operational activities, improving processes/efficiencies, and supporting growth.
• Demonstrable exceptional scientific expertise and contribution across several therapeutic areas.
• A proven track record in positive support, engagement and influencing skills at senior management level.

Here at Sygnature Discovery, we take pride in offering an excellent training and benefits package. As a valued employee, you will be entitled to:

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays, and buy/sell scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• Sygnature Group Pension Scheme
• 1 paid volunteer day per year
• A host of flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle

Why Sygnature Discovery

At Sygnature Discovery, we embody excellence in everything we do. From pioneering research to ground-breaking discoveries, we set the standard for scientific innovation. But it's collaboration that truly defines us. Across continents and disciplines, we unite to solve complex challenges, driven by a shared passion for improving lives worldwide.

We understand the importance of creating a work environment that empowers you to thrive. That’s why we have fostered a culture of collaboration and support, providing pathways for both professional and personal development. This includes a diverse range of bespoke training and development designed to accelerate both your personal and career growth.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion throughout our organisation. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, family or parental status, beliefs, nationalities and religions. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where all our colleagues feel empowered to bring their true selves to work.

If you’re interested in joining a company that places people at the heart of its business, please submit your application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail]. Please do not submit your application to this email address.