Associate Research Leader - Stem Cells

IQVIA; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA Discovery Sciences seeks an experienced Associate Research Leader in Stem Cell Biology at our Chesterford Research Park site. You will lead stem cell–driven drug discovery projects, develop advanced 2D/3D cellular models and push NAMs adoption across therapeutic areas, collaborating with pharmacology, data science and client teams.

You will mentor colleagues, shape project strategy, and contribute to proposals and new business opportunities, ensuring rigorous scientific decision-making and

Qualifications

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology or related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in biotechnology/pharma research or translational drug discovery.
• Extensive hands-on experience with human stem cell-derived models (iPSC-derived systems) and advanced cellular platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead stem cell–focused drug discovery projects from experimental design to data interpretation and client delivery.
• Develop, optimise and characterise human stem cell-derived models that are robust and scientifically relevant.
• Drive adoption of NAMs and advanced in vitro technologies across programmes.
• Integrate stem cell models into client discovery to improve translational relevance.
• Mentor colleagues and grow stem cell capabilities within IQVIA.
• Contribute to scientific proposals, capability development and new business opportunities.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Data interpretation

Project leadership

Scientific communication

NAMs & 2D/3D assays

Education

PhD in Stem Cell Biology or related

Job description

Associate Research Leader – Stem Cell Biology IQVIA Discovery Sciences

Advance the Future of Human-Relevant Drug Discovery At IQVIA Discovery Sciences, our site in Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, we're investing in the next generation of human-relevant models that help bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient outcomes. We're looking for an experienced Stem Cell Scientist to join our team as an Associate Research Leader, taking a scientific leadership role in the development and application of advanced stem cell-derived models that support innovative drug discovery programmes. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to move beyond routine experimentation and play a key role in shaping how stem cell technologies and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are applied across multiple therapeutic areas. You'll work alongside a highly respected scientific leadership team and collaborate with experts across biology, pharmacology, data science and drug discovery to deliver impactful science for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

The Impact You'll Have

As a scientific expert within our Stem cell function, you will drive the design, development and application of sophisticated stem cell-based assays and disease models that help our clients make better translational decisions and accelerate the development of new medicines.

• Lead stem cell-focused drug discovery projects from experimental design through to data interpretation and client delivery.
• Develop, optimise and characterise human stem cell-derived models that are robust, reproducible and scientifically relevant.
• Drive the adoption of innovative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and advanced in vitro technologies.
• Integrate stem cell models into client discovery programmes to improve translational relevance and scientific decision-making.
• Apply your expertise to solve complex biological challenges and influence project strategy.
• Partner directly with clients, presenting data, providing scientific insight and building trusted relationships.
• Mentor and support colleagues, helping to grow stem cell capabilities across the organisation.
• Contribute to scientific proposals, capability development and new business opportunities.

What You'll Bring

We're interested in hearing from scientists who combine deep technical expertise with a passion for innovation and collaboration. You'll likely have:

• A PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
• Significant industry experience within biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, CRO environments or translational drug discovery.
• Extensive hands-on experience working with human stem cell-derived models, including iPSC-derived systems and other advanced cellular platforms.
• Expertise developing and optimising complex cellular assays in 2D and/or 3D formats.
• Experience with disease modelling, phenotypic screening or translational biology approaches.
• A demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and influence project direction.
• Strong communication skills and confidence interacting with both scientific colleagues and external clients.

Particularly Valuable Experience

• iPSC-derived cellular models
• Organoids and spheroid systems
• Co-culture models
• High Content Imaging
• Flow Cytometry
• Electrophysiology
• qPCR and molecular characterisation techniques
• Automation and assay miniaturisation
• Translational and human-relevant model development

Why Join IQVIA Discovery Sciences?

This is a chance to help define how stem cell technologies are used within modern drug discovery. You'll benefit from:

• Working with an outstanding scientific leadership team.
• Access to cutting-edge stem cell and translational biology platforms.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotech programmes.
• Opportunities to influence strategy, innovation and capability development.
• A collaborative environment where scientific curiosity is encouraged and rewarded.
• Career development within one of the world's leading healthcare and drug discovery organisations.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism. IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create connections that accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments. Everything we do is part of a journey to improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. To get there, we seek out diverse talent with curious minds and a relentless commitment to innovation and impact. No matter your role, everyone at IQVIA contributes to our shared goal of helping customers improve the lives of patients everywhere. Thank you for your interest in growing your career with us.