Associate Scientist - Materials Science

ZipRecruiter; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in pharmaceutical development seeks an Associate Scientist for a 12-month fixed-term position at their Stevenage site. The role focuses on characterizing drug substances and requires a BSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Materials Science. Candidates will execute laboratory experiments and collaborate on drug product progression. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking an entry-level position in a dynamic R&D environment.

Qualifications

• BSc degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Materials Science required.
• Laboratory-based experience is necessary.
• MSc level preferred for this role.

Responsibilities

• Execute laboratory experiments for biorelevant measurements of drug substances.
• Collaborate to generate prototypes for bioenhanced formulations.
• Perform physical property analysis of drug substances using various techniques.

Skills

Effective oral communication

Effective written communication

Knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry

Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation principles

Good time management skills

Teamwork skills

Education

BSc in Chemistry

MSc in Chemistry

BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

BSc in Materials Science

MSc in Materials Science

Tools

XRPD

Raman spectroscopy

DSC

TGA

SEM

Job description

Job Description

Job Purpose

Materials Science provides a holistic understanding of how structure influences particle and powder properties to design a particle process that optimizes drug product processing and performance. As projects progress through development, materials scientists support project teams by performing laboratory studies and analyzing data, from lead optimization to transfer and industrialization of manufacturing processes to commercial facilities. Your role will focus on characterizing drug substances to support the design, selection, and progression of new drug products within our client’s pharmaceutical portfolio. This will be based on biopharmaceutics, preformulation, and bioenhancement data, complemented by material science understanding using various analytical methods and small-scale formulation tools.

Here at our pioneering R&D Stevenage site, we have a fantastic opportunity for a 12-month fixed-term Associate Scientist position to cover maternity leave. This is an entry-level, predominantly lab-based role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute laboratory experiments for in-vitro biorelevant measurements of drug substances or formulations (e.g., kinetic solubility, dissolution, intrinsic dissolution rate, permeability) across multiple projects to inform decision-making.
2. Create and utilize screening methods to identify preformulation and bioenhancement options for early discovery programs and explore alternative bioenhancement strategies for poorly soluble APIs.
3. Collaborate with partners (Drug Product Development, Biopharmaceutics, CMC Analytical) to generate early prototypes for bioenhanced formulations at small scale, such as spray dried dispersions, hot melt extrusion, micronization, and lipid-based formulations (LBFs).
4. Perform physical property analysis of drug substances and intermediates, such as solid dispersions, using techniques like XRPD, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, SEM, optical, and hot-stage microscopy.
5. Ensure quality activities are maintained throughout development, including authoring analytical test reports.
6. Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams in medicine development.
7. Manage and interpret data, record results accurately, and communicate findings through technical reports.
8. Adhere to regulatory and data integrity standards, including cGMP, and uphold safety and quality policies.

Minimum Education Requirement

BSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or equivalent.

Preferred Education Level

MSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or equivalent.

Basic Experience

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation principles.
• Good time management and teamwork skills in a matrix environment.
• Laboratory-based experience.

Additional Experience

• Experience with in-vitro biorelevant measurements (e.g., solubility/dissolution) for oral biopharmaceutics.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques like XRPD and Raman spectroscopy for solid-state characterization.
• Knowledge of biopharmaceutics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and their integration with formulation design across dosage forms.
• Practical experience with amorphous solid dispersions via spray drying, hot melt extrusion, or similar techniques.
• Experience with preformulation and bioenhancement methods such as suspensions, lipid-based formulations, and particle size reduction.