Physico-Chemical Study Director

Smithers; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental risk science firm seeks an experienced Physico-Chemical Study Director in Harrogate. The role involves overseeing GLP studies, ensuring compliance, and delivering high-quality data for a variety of chemical classes. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and demonstrated experience under GLP, with strong knowledge of regulatory guidelines. The position offers competitive benefits and the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects with supportive colleagues.

Benefits

Private Medical with Bupa

Employer matched pension contributions

Eyecare vouchers

Ride to work scheme

Life assurance cover

Employee Assistance Program

Free mortgage advice service

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting Physico-Chemical assessments under GLP.
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory guidelines.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality scientific data to timelines.

Responsibilities

• Act as Study Director for Physico-Chemical studies under GLP.
• Design and oversee studies assessing safety and stability.
• Prepare and approve study plans and reports.

Skills

Physico-Chemical assessments

Regulatory guidelines knowledge (OECD, EU)

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Physico-Chemical Study Director to join the Physico-Chemical Assessment team, part of the Chemistry department within the Environmental Risk Sciences (ERS) division of Smithers, based in Harrogate.

This role is ideal for a scientist with strong experience in physico-chemical testing and assessment under GLP, who is confident acting as Study Director and delivering high-quality, regulator-ready data in line with international guidelines. The successful candidate will work across a diverse portfolio of chemical classes, supporting regulatory submissions and safety assessments for global clients.

Smithers ERS Limited provides a wide range of environmental and regulatory safety testing services for the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, biocidal, industrial, specialty chemical, antifouling and veterinary medicines sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine scientific excellence with regulatory insight to support decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Chemistry, the Physico-Chemical Study Director will take full scientific and regulatory responsibility for assigned GLP studies, from study design through to final reporting. You will work closely with analytical scientists, formulation specialists, QA, and clients to ensure studies are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and to the highest scientific standard.

All work will be conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including OECD, EU, and other international guidelines, and in accordance with GLP as defined in study plans, protocols, and work agreements.

Responsibilities

• Act as Study Director for Physico-Chemical studies conducted under GLP
• Design, plan, and oversee studies assessing safety, stability, and physico-chemical properties of test articles, products, and formulations
• Prepare, review, and approve study plans, amendments, deviations, and final reports
• Ensure studies are conducted in full compliance with GLP, guidelines, and internal quality systems
• Provide expert scientific input on method selection, data interpretation, and problem solving
• Liaise with clients, QA, and internal stakeholders to support successful study delivery
• Contribute to continuous improvement, innovation, and scientific best practice within the phys-chem group
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory queries as required

Qualifications and Experience

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience conducting Physico-Chemical assessments under GLP
• Desire to step into a GLP Study Director role or acted as a Study Director previously
• Strong working knowledge of relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g. OECD, EU, biocidal/agrochemical frameworks)
• Experience working with a range of chemical classes, such as antifouling products, biocides, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary medicines.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality scientific data to timelines, with strong attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, organisational, and IT skills
• Experience in a CRO or regulated laboratory environment is highly desirable

We Offer

We offer opportunities to work on diverse, challenging projects with bright, interesting colleagues while building a flexible and rewarding career, as well as a multitude of benefits including:

• Private Medical with Bupa
• Employer matched pension contributions
• Eyecare vouchers
• Ride to work scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free mortgage advice service

There has never been a better time to join us!

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