Biologist Opportunity (Scientist & Senior Scientist level)

Almac Discovery; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Belfast is seeking a Biology Scientist and Senior Scientist to join their R&D department. The role focuses on developing and executing in vitro assays for drug discovery programs, requiring a postgraduate qualification in a related field. Successful candidates will work independently in a dynamic setting with state-of-the-art facilities. The closing date for applications is December 3rd, 2025, at 5pm.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in biochemical and cellular assays.
• Ability to learn new techniques as needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assay-based results efficiently and timely.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and tools.
• Support Drug Discovery programmes.

Skills

Independently manage concurrent projects

Develop in vitro assays

Work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Post graduate Qualification (MSc / PhD) in Cell / Molecular Biology, Biochemistry

Job description

Biologist Opportunity (Scientist & Senior Scientist level)

Hours : 37.5 hours per week. Monday – Friday. Flexible working hours.

Ref No : HRJOB11159

Business Unit : Almac Discovery

Location : Belfast

Open To : Internal and external applicants may apply

Almac Discovery Belfast

One of seven business units within the Almac Group of companies and is located on the Queen’s University Belfast life sciences campus, close to two major hospitals and the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. We have additional laboratories in Edinburgh (Protein Therapeutics) and offices in Manchester (Bioinformatics).

Almac Discovery is a research driven drug discovery company dedicated to the development of novel and innovative approaches to the treatment of diseases of unmet need (including oncology and CNS), by applying a target class approach. Our business model is to develop preclinical stage assets which are then licensed to pharmaceutical partners for further development.

The Roles

Almac Discovery are currently recruiting for a Biology Scientist and Senior Scientist to join our R&D department to support Drug Discovery programmes. Primary responsibilities will include accountability for the efficient and timely delivery of assay-based results including biochemical assay and cellular assays to look at small molecule inhibitors or biologic mechanism of action.

The post holders will be responsible for the development and execution of novel in vitro assays to support biologic and medicinal chemistry efforts.

The successful candidate will be able to work independently on several concurrent projects in a fast‑paced goal‑oriented setting with minimal supervision and have the flexibility to learn new techniques according to projects need. Furthermore, you will efficiently contribute to the maintenance of a functional laboratory, technical equipment, and tools, as required for best practice and in‑line with HSE guidelines.

This is a significant opportunity to play a central role in the further development of Almac Discovery as an innovative and successful biotechnology company. The successful candidate will work in state‑of‑the‑art facilities within the vibrant and expanding Queen’s University Life‑Science campus.

Essential Candidate Criteria

• Post graduate Qualification (MSc / PhD or equivalent) in Cell / Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline.

Please review the attached Job descriptions for information on the additional criteria required at both Scientist and Senior Scientist level.

Closing Date : Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 5pm

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE : Almac will only accept applications from agencies / business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited, and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.