Lead Forensic Scientist

Viatris; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top Employer accreditation

Bonus eligibility

Career progression

Health & Wellness programs

Medical insurance 100% paid

Life cover

Pension up to 11% matched

Volunteer days

Job summary

Viatris is seeking a Lead Forensic Scientist in the United Kingdom to conduct advanced forensic analyses of drug products and packaging, supervise a small team, and train staff on best anti-counterfeiting practices. The role requires strong communication, data presentation, and adherence to cGMP, GLP, and safety policies.

You will lead investigations, troubleshoot instrumentation, maintain documentation, and contribute to project delivery while supporting training and outreach activities across

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Forensics or equivalent with practical experience.
• Willing to testify in a Court of Law.
• Willing to travel to deliver training and network.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of physical, organic and analytical chemistry; capable in statistics.
• Experience with modern lab techniques (HPLC, FT-IR); GC-MS desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform forensic analysis of drug products, substances and packaging.
• Train new forensic scientists and others on best practices.
• Write concise analytical reports and present data clearly.
• Lead troubleshooting of instrumentation and investigations.
• Maintain cGMP documentation and lab safety practices.
• Present data at meetings and symposiums; manage day-to-day lab activities.
• Assist in project delivery and laboratory housekeeping as required.

Skills

HPLC

FT-IR

GC-MS

Lab safety

Statistics

Communication

Leadership

Training

Court testimony

MS Excel

Education

BSc in Chemistry

Forensic science experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

TEAMS

Job description

**The Role & What You Will Be Doing**Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the **Lead Forensic Scientist** role will make an impact:**To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform the duties below. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties assigned to this role. The job description outlines the main duties and accountabilities in general terms only and is not intended to be prescriptive.*** Working across Viatris product franchises, performs critical examination of drug products and drug substances, primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, patient information leaflets and labels that can be in various languages.* Trains new forensic scientists, customs, and ministries of health on best practices of anti-counterfeiting.* Experienced in writing concise analytical reports, with an understanding how to translate it into non-scientific terms.* Has working knowledge of GC-MS and FT-IR techniques, with awareness of Raman spectroscopy.* Maintains a tidy forensic laboratory with scheduled maintenance of key equipment.* Confident at presenting their own data, for example PowerPoint and also Posters at symposiums.* Process and review data, interpret results and report experimental outcomes to Forensic Director.* Lead the troubleshooting of instrumentation and investigation of aberrant sample results.* Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with cGMP documentation practices.* Contribute to project delivery by carrying out other tasks (e.g. laboratory housekeeping, ordering, shipping samples) as required.* Work with Director and identify opportunities for improvements in working practices and procedures.* Oversee the day-to-day work of less experienced analytical laboratory staff.* Adherence to all applicable policies and procedures, including those relating to EHS, GLP, Quality and Compliance, consistent with the role and any associated responsibilities, including people management where applicable.* Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the grade of the role.* To help the student complete their year in industry project and presentation in a timely manner.**About Your Skills & Experience**For this role, we’re looking for a candidate who has an effective combination of the following qualifications, skills and experiences:**The minimum requirements for the position are outlined below. A combination of experience and/or education may be taken into consideration.*** Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree (for example Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Forensics) or equivalent, or substantial practical work experience.* Must be willing to testify and defend your own case works in a Court of Law.* Willing to travel to deliver training and enhance networking.* Good understanding of laboratory safety and best practice.* Has very good verbal and written communication skills – for example, the role requires networking to access authentic comparator products and artworks.* Has a good understanding of basic principles of physical, organic and analytical chemistry, and can demonstrate advanced knowledge in specific areas related to their experience.* Highly familiar with calculations used in analytical chemistry and the application of statistics.* Has a good understanding and substantial practical experience of modern laboratory techniques, including HPLC and FT-IR.* Previously practical use of GC-MS would be desirable.* Able to work with others to plan the day-to-day work of a small team.* Able to work autonomously to deliver multiple tasks, planning own work to consistently achieve output of high-quality results in a timely manner.* Able to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team environment.* Able to lead troubleshooting and investigations.* Good IT skills (including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, TEAMS).* Effective verbal and written communication skills* Enthusiasm to work in a laboratory-based role.At Viatris, we are dedicated to building a truly diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t fully align with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.**Benefits at Viatris**At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others. Some of our benefits include the following on top of a competitive salary:* Top Employer Accreditation, demonstrating that we provide excellent people policies and practices* Competitive compensation package inclusive of annual discretionary bonus* Focus on career progression with growth and development opportunities* Emphasis on Health & Wellness programmes* 100% paid medical insurance and Employee Assistance Programme* Life cover* Excellent employer-matched pension scheme with Viatris contributing up to 11%* 2 paid volunteer days per year