Method Developer - Chemistry

Charles River Labs; Dundee; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract research organization is seeking a Senior Scientific Associate to join their method development team. This role involves developing LC conditions and contributing to the creation of quantitative assays. The ideal candidate will have a BSc in a relevant scientific discipline and experience in analytical laboratories. The position is based in Dundee, Scotland, offering a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum BSc or equivalent in a scientific analytical discipline.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment.
• Experience developing assays in an analytical lab.
• Understanding of regulatory guidance and method validation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop LC conditions and optimize MS/MS parameters.
• Communicate with stakeholders regarding study organization.
• Lead troubleshooting during method development.
• Contribute to scientific papers and presentations.
• Mentor junior method development scientists.
• Demonstrate innovation in scientific approaches.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Adaptability

Education

BSc in scientific analytical related discipline

Masters or PhD in a relevant topic

Tools

Standard laboratory equipment

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Overview

For 75years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Senior Scientific Associate to join our method development team within the department, to participate in the development of quantitative assays on our fleet modern LC-MSMS triple quadrupole mass spectrometers.

The accurate quantification of chemical structures is a key function of the Chemistry department that is central to a range of Field & Veterinary Residue and Environmental Fate studies that provide to our Agrochemical and Animal Health sponsors.

The Chemistry department is a large team located at our site in Tranent, East Lothian.

As a CRO we have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of compound modalities which address the needs of different market sectors. This requires continual development of our analytical skills and knowledge to address the changing needs of the analytical landscape. As well as our ever-evolving workflow, our consistent involvement with the industry through conferences, literature, and multi-company project teams, provide additional opportunities for development of both the industry and individuals.

In this role you will act as a scientific expert, as well as planning and organising for the efficient development of quantitative methods. This will involve using a variety of analytical techniques, or undertaking original research to develop new techniques, to establish methods suitable for generating data in a regulatory environment in a timely and cost-effective manner.

About the role:

• Responsibility for the development of LC conditions, optimizing MS/MS parameters and refining extraction procedures for the quantitative analysis of analytes from biological matrices. Including responsibility for decision making based on the data generated.
• Routinely communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding study organisation, progress, and challenges.
• Leading complex troubleshooting, both during method development studies and in collaboration with other teams during later stages of an assay's usage.
• Contribution to the generation of scientific papers and presentations.
• Proactively mentoring junior method development scientists, to promote talent development.
• Demonstrating innovation through development of alternative scientific approaches and improvement of existing processes.

Job Qualifications:

• A minimum of a BSc or equivalent in a scientific analytical related discipline. (A Masters or PhD in a relevant topic is advantageous.)
• Familiarity with the use of standard laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation.
• Experience developing assays in an analytical laboratory.
• An understanding of appropriate regulatory guidance (e.g. SANTE and VICH) and method validation, in addition to current GLP regulations.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Effective decision-making skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• A proven level of problem-solving ability and adaptability, in relation to both scientific and project management challenges.
• A proven ability to identify, design and conduct research projects based on analysis of industry trends.

The annual salary for this role is : £34,237. Overtime is paid and the closing date for the advert will be 29th October, 2025

About Safety Assessment

Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.

About Charles River

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 80% of the drugs approved by the FDA in the last five years.

At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to the principle of diversity and inclusion and work daily in this direction.