Associate Principal Scientist - Molecular Biology

Hyper Recruitment Solutions Ltd; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hyper Recruitment Solutions Ltd in the Edinburgh area is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to design, deliver and interpret complex molecular biology studies for drug discovery and translational research.

The role combines hands-on research with scientific leadership, working with mammalian cell cultures and advanced cellular models to turn challenging questions into robust studies and meaningful findings.

Qualifications

• PhD with significant postdoctoral or industry research experience.
• Hands-on molecular biology techniques in a research setting.
• Experience leading projects and coordinating multiple studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver complex molecular and cellular biology studies for translational research and drug discovery.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership across client projects and ensure high-quality delivery.
• Build relationships with clients and teams, presenting study findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Evaluate new technologies and strengthen departmental capability through innovation and mentorship.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genomics

Transcriptomics

Cell biology

Scientific project leadership

Education

Doctorate (PhD) in relevant scientific discipline

Job description

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are currently looking for an Associate Principal Scientist to join our client, a growing scientific organisation based in the Edinburgh area.

As the Associate Principal Scientist you will be responsible for designing, delivering and interpreting complex molecular biology studies that support drug discovery and translational research.

This laboratory-based scientific leadership role combines hands‑on research with technical direction across client programmes. Working with advanced cellular models and molecular biology technologies, you will turn challenging biological questions into robust studies and meaningful findings.

As the Associate Principal Scientist, you will also help shape departmental capability, evaluate new technologies and support colleagues in developing their scientific expertise.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1. Design and deliver complex molecular and cellular biology studies for translational research and drug discovery programmes. You will work with mammalian cell cultures and advanced cellular systems, analysing and interpreting data to produce clear, scientifically sound conclusions.
• 2. Provide scientific and technical leadership across multiple client projects, coordinating key research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges and supporting high-quality delivery in line with project objectives and applicable good practice standards.
• 3. Build effective relationships with clients, scientists and project teams. You will present study findings, explain complex results to scientific and non-scientific audiences, and use your expertise to guide research decisions.
• 4. Evaluate technologies and develop innovative approaches to challenging biological questions. You will strengthen departmental capability, share best practice, support colleagues and identify opportunities to improve scientific methods and outcomes.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• 1. A doctorate in a relevant scientific discipline, supported by significant postdoctoral, industry or equivalent research experience and a proven track record operating at Senior Scientist level or above.
• 2. Proven experience in molecular biology, genomics, transcriptomics, cell biology or related disciplines, including hands‑on mammalian cell culture and complex cellular systems. Your background will include contract research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or academic research environments.
• 3. A working knowledge and practical experience with scientific project leadership, study design, troubleshooting, technology evaluation and delivery of complex research programmes. You will bring confident client communication and presentation skills, a commitment to supporting colleagues and scientific excellence, and the ability to work to applicable good practice standards.

Key Words

Senior Scientist / Associate Principal Scientist / Molecular Biology / Translational Biology / Drug Discovery / Mammalian Cell Culture / Genomics / Transcriptomics / Cellular Models / Scientific Project Leadership

Hyper Recruitment Solutions Ltd (HRS) is an Equal Opportunities employer.