Biological Characterisation Scientist – Mass Spectrometry

Intertek Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Broad biopharmaceutical product scope

Exposure to advanced LC-MS/LC-MS/MS

Career progression opportunities

Ongoing technical and professional dev

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Intertek Group in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, is seeking a Biological Characterisation Scientist – Mass Spectrometry to join our cGMP laboratories. You will lead LC-MS analyses across small and large molecules and develop robust methods within a regulated lab environment.

You will independently manage projects, interact with clients, and contribute to innovative biopharmaceutical development programmes while mentoring junior scientists and expanding your technical leadership.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related discipline.
• In-depth experience of Biological Characterisation techniques.
• Extensive experience using LC-MS and LC-MS/MS for analysis of small and large molecules.
• Strong LC-MS method development experience.
• Experience in analytical method validation.
• Experience working with proteins and large molecule therapeutics.
• Oligonucleotide and mRNA analysis experience advantageous.
• Extensive experience in a GxP-regulated lab with GMP understanding.
• Ability to train, supervise and support junior scientists.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and lead projects from initiation through to completion.
• Perform routine analysis, method development, method validation and troubleshooting.
• Plan and perform analytical laboratory work while leading scientific investigations.
• Generate, interpret and critically evaluate analytical data.
• Present scientific data and conclusions to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proactively identify technical solutions and recommend next steps for projects.
• Prepare technical reports and supporting project documentation.
• Advise customers on analytical strategies and method development approaches.
• Build relationships with clients and cross-functional teams for successful delivery.
• Support and mentor junior scientists within the team.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Biochemistry or Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

LC-MS/MS

GxP/GMP

Job description

Biological Characterisation Scientist – Mass Spectrometry

Melbourn, Cambridgeshire

Due to continued business growth and increasing demand for our specialist biopharmaceutical testing services, Intertek is seeking a Biological Characterisation Scientist – Mass Spectrometry to join our cGMP laboratories in Melbourn. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to utilise and expand their expertise in LC-MS and LC-MS/MS whilst working on a diverse range of biopharmaceutical products.

Working within our Biological Characterisation team, you'll analyse a broad range of molecules, from small molecules through to proteins, RNA, DNA, oligonucleotides and complex biopharmaceutical products. You'll take ownership of scientific projects, contribute directly to customer success, and play a key role in delivering high-quality analytical solutions within a regulated laboratory environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist looking to further develop their technical expertise, build customer relationships, and contribute to innovative pharmaceutical development programmes.

About You

You are an experienced analytical scientist with a passion for problem solving and delivering high-quality scientific data. You enjoy working in a dynamic laboratory environment and are confident managing projects, communicating with clients, and making scientific recommendations based on data and technical expertise.

You thrive when working both independently and collaboratively, taking ownership of projects whilst supporting the development of colleagues and contributing to a positive team culture.

Required Skills & Experience

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• In-depth experience of Biological Characterisation techniques.
• Extensive experience using LC-MS and LC-MS/MS for the analysis of both small and large molecules.
• Strong experience in LC-MS method development.
• Strong experience in analytical method validation.
• Experience working with proteins and other large molecule therapeutics.
• Experience of oligonucleotide and mRNA analysis would be highly advantageous
• Extensive experience working within a GxP-regulated laboratory environment with a strong understanding of GMP principles.
• Ability to train, supervise and support junior scientists.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

About the Opportunity

As a Biological Characterisation Scientist, you will independently manage scientific projects from initiation through to completion. This includes routine analysis, method development, method validation, troubleshooting investigations and direct interaction with customers.

You will work with a diverse range of sample types and molecules derived from various stages of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. Projects will vary in complexity, scale and duration, providing significant opportunity to broaden your technical expertise and contribute to innovative client programmes.

The role offers a balance of hands‑on laboratory work, scientific interpretation, client engagement and technical leadership, making it ideal for an experienced scientist looking to take ownership of challenging and rewarding projects.

Key Activities

• Independently manage and lead projects from initiation through to completion.
• Perform routine analysis, method development, method validation and troubleshooting activities.
• Plan and perform analytical laboratory work whilst leading scientific investigations where required.
• Generate, interpret and critically evaluate analytical data.
• Present scientific data and conclusions to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Proactively identify technical solutions and recommend next steps for projects.
• Prepare technical reports and supporting project documentation.
• Advise prospective and existing customers on analytical strategies and method development approaches.
• Build effective relationships with clients and cross‑functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Support and mentor junior scientists within the team.

What We Offer

Join Intertek and become part of our global network of inspiring and entrepreneurial colleagues. We are a global family that values diversity and thrive by working together with precision, pace and passion. Our purpose is to bring quality and safety to life and help customers accelerate innovation whilst ensuring quality, safety and sustainability.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a broad range of biopharmaceutical products and technologies.
• Exposure to advanced LC-MS and LC-MS/MS applications.
• Significant customer‑facing project responsibility.
• Ongoing technical and professional development.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing scientific organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex or national origin.

Intertek operates a preferred supplier arrangement and does not accept unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies.