Associate Research Leader - Stem Cells

iqvia; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA Discovery Sciences in Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, seeks an experienced Stem Cell Scientist to join as Associate Research Leader, driving development and application of stem cell-derived models for drug discovery.

You will lead stem cell-focused projects, develop robust 2D/3D models, champion NAMs adoption, collaborate with clinical and data science teams, and mentor colleagues to expand stem cell capabilities across the organisation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biological Sciences or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Scientific leadership

Communication

Project management

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Stem Cell Biology

Tools

iPSC-derived models

2D/3D assays

Organoids

High Content Imaging

Flow Cytometry

qPCR

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.

You will:

• 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

We'd be especially interested in candidates with experience in:

• 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.

Join Us

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. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

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.