Bioanalytical Principal Scientist

Nexus Life Sciences; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Bioanalytical CRO seeks a Principal Bioanalytical Scientist to lead LC-MS/MS method development and validation for small molecules. The ideal candidate has significant experience in bioanalysis, excellent understanding of regulatory compliance, and strong project management skills. Join a collaborative environment with competitive salary and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary (£45,000 to £60,000)

Relocation package

Strong career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in LC-MS/MS method development and validation.
• Excellent understanding of regulatory expectations for method validation.
• Experience in a CRO or pharmaceutical environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead LC-MS/MS method development and validation for bioanalysis.
• Serve as technical lead for multiple client studies.
• Provide expert input on bioanalytical strategy and compliance.

Skills

LC-MS/MS method development

Regulatory compliance understanding

Project management

Technical communication

Bioanalytical strategy input

Education

Degree in Analytical Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Bioanalytical Scientist (Small Molecule Bioanalysis)

Location: Manchester

Company: A leading Bioanalytical CRO

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established bioanalytical Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners in drug discovery and development. The principal bioanalytical scientist will be a specialist in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, providing high-quality analytical services for small molecules, peptides, and biotherapeutics across all stages of development.

This is a senior technical position focused on LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and scientific oversight of bioanalytical studies and teams. The client has already got career development paths in place to support progression into senior management positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead LC-MS/MS method development and validation for quantitative bioanalysis of small molecules in biological matrices (e.g., plasma, serum, urine, tissues).
• Serve as technical lead for multiple client studies, overseeing project design, troubleshooting, and scientific interpretation.
• Provide expert input on bioanalytical strategy, assay design, and regulatory compliance (FDA/EMA guidelines).
• Communicate effectively with clients to explain methods, justify scientific approaches, and provide project updates.
• Support technical proposal writing and contribute to pre-sales scientific discussions.
• Mentor and support junior scientists in method development, validation, and sample analysis.
• Review and interpret complex data, ensuring scientific integrity and consistency across reports.
• Contribute to departmental process improvements, instrumentation upgrades, and technical innovation.

Key Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in LC-MS/MS method development and validation for small molecule bioanalysis in biological matrices.
• Excellent understanding of regulatory expectations for bioanalytical method validation (FDA, EMA, ICH).
• Proven ability to independently manage and deliver complex client projects in a CRO or pharmaceutical environment.
• Strong communication skills with experience presenting and defending technical work to clients.
• Experience with peptides, proteins, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across scientific and project teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline (PhD, MSc, or equivalent).
• Experience in bioanalytical LC-MS/MS within a CRO or pharma setting.

Why Join

• Join a scientifically driven, collaborative CRO environment.
• Work on diverse and technically challenging bioanalytical projects.
• Direct influence on scientific decisions and client relationships.
• Competitive salary (£45,000 to £60,000) benefits, relocation package and strong career development opportunities.

Should you be suitable apply and I am able to disclose full details, including Company, Salary and Location