Associate Scientist - Materials Science

JR United Kingdom; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in pharmaceutical R&D is seeking an Associate Scientist in Materials Science for a 12-month fixed-term position in Stevenage. This entry-level, lab-based role involves developing experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support drug product development. Candidates should hold a BSc in a relevant field and possess effective communication and teamwork skills.

Qualifications

• BSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, or equivalent required.
• MSc preferred in relevant fields.
• Lab-based experience and knowledge of pharmaceutical formulation principles are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute laboratory experiments for in-vitro biorelevant measurements.
• Collaborate with partners to generate early prototypes for bioenhanced formulations.
• Perform physical properties analysis using various techniques.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Knowledge of physical and analytical chemistry

Understanding of pharmaceutical formulation principles

Good time management

Teamwork skills

Lab-based experience

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

Job description

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Associate Scientist - Materials Science, Stevenage

Client: Allegis Global Solutions

Location: Stevenage

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 2

Posted: 23.05.2025

Expiry Date: 07.07.2025

Job Description:

Job Purpose

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

Here at our pioneering R&D site in Stevenage, 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

• Developing and executing 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.
• Developing and utilizing screening methods to enable rapid identification of preformulation and bioenhancement options for early discovery programs and potential alternatives for poorly soluble APIs.
• Collaborating 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.
• Performing physical properties analysis of drug substances and intermediates using techniques like XRPD, Raman, DSC, TGA, SEM, Optical and Hot Stage Microscopy.
• Ensuring quality activities are performed throughout development, including authoring analytical test results.
• Working effectively and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Managing and interpreting data, recording results accurately, and communicating findings in technical reports.
• Complying with regulatory and data integrity requirements, including cGMP, and adhering to company policies and safety standards.

Minimum Education Level

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

Preferred Education Level

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

Required Experience

Basic:

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

Preferred:

• Experience with in-vitro biorelevant measurements (e.g., solubility/dissolution)
• Use of analytical techniques like XRPD and Raman for solid-state characterization
• Understanding of biopharmaceutics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and formulation integration
• Experience with generating amorphous solid dispersions via spray drying, hot melt extrusion, or similar techniques
• Experience in preformulation and bioenhancement methods such as suspensions, lipid-based formulations, and size reduction