Associate Scientist - Materials Science

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company seeks an Associate Scientist in Materials Science for a 12-month fixed-term role in Watford. This entry-level position requires executing laboratory experiments to support drug product development. Candidates should have a relevant BSc, with an MSc preferred, and will work within multidisciplinary teams to analyze data and ensure quality in a safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• BSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or equivalent.
• MSc preferred in related fields.
• Basic lab-based experience with effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute laboratory experiments for in-vitro measurements.
• Collaborate with partners to generate bioenhanced formulations.
• Analyze physical properties of drug substances using relevant techniques.

Skills

Effective communication

Knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry

Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation principles

Good time management

Teamwork skills

Lab-based experience

Education

BSc in Chemistry

BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

BSc in Materials Science

MSc in Chemistry

MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

MSc in Materials Science

Tools

XRPD

Raman

Job description

Associate Scientist - Materials Science, Watford, Hertfordshire

Client:

Allegis Global Solutions

Location:

Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

2

Posted:

31.05.2025

Expiry Date:

15.07.2025

Job Description:

Job Purpose

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

This is a 12-month fixed-term, entry-level, lab-based Associate Scientist position at our R&D site in Stevenage, covering maternity leave.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute laboratory experiments for in-vitro biorelevant measurements of drug substances or formulations to inform decision-making.
2. Create screening methods for rapid identification of preformulation and bioenhancement options.
3. Collaborate with partners to generate early prototypes for bioenhanced formulations, including spray dried dispersions, hot melt extrusion, micronisation, and lipid-based formulations.
4. Analyze physical properties of drug substances and intermediates using techniques such as XRPD, Raman, DSC, TGA, SEM, Optical, and Hot Stage Microscopy.
5. Ensure quality activities are performed, including authoring analytical test results.
6. Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
7. Manage data, interpret results, and communicate findings through technical reports.
8. Adhere to regulatory and data integrity standards, including cGMP and company policies, prioritizing safety and quality.

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

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

Experience:

Basic:

• Effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation principles.
• Good time management and teamwork skills.
• Lab-based experience.

Preferred:

• Experience with in-vitro biorelevant measurements.
• Use of analytical techniques like XRPD and Raman.
• Knowledge of biopharmaceutics, absorption, distribution, and metabolism.
• Experience with amorphous solid dispersions, hot melt extrusion, or similar techniques.
• Experience in preformulation and bioenhancement methods.