Principal / Lead Separation Scientist (Chemistry)

Sygnature Discovery; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

Sygnature Group Pension Scheme

1 paid volunteer day per year

Job summary

Sygnature Discovery in Nottingham is looking for a Principal / Lead Scientist to join their Separation Science Chemistry team. In this full-time position, you will provide technical expertise in chromatography, mentoring junior scientists and contributing to a variety of projects using advanced instrumentation.

The ideal candidate will hold a relevant PhD or master's degree, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and have significant experience in analytical processes. This role offers comprehensive benefits including 25 days annual leave and private medical insurance.

Qualifications

• PhD in a Scientific Discipline or master's degree and experience in a Separation Science.
• Proven track record of line management and ability to manage small scientific teams.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex scientific information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and contribute to the purification lifecycle from crude to pure material.
• Provide subject matter expertise across drug discovery programmes.
• Ensure high quality experimental design and execution across multiple projects.

Skills

Separation Science

Line management

Mentoring and coaching

Communication skills

AI and ML implementation

Analytical instrumentation knowledge

Coding for chromatographic software

Education

PhD in a Scientific Discipline or master's degree

Job description

About Sygnature Discovery

At Sygnature Discovery, we create exceptional scientific outcomes. For our customers, who bring life‑changing medicines to patients; and for our people, who help make this possible.

We’re 700+ scientists from over 50 countries, working as one across Europe and North America. With no competing internal programs, we offer total confidentiality and commitment.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve earned a track record of real impact: 60+ advanced candidates, 250 patents filed, 200+ active projects. Over 90% of our customers choose to stay with us – from biotechs racing to clinic to pharma companies that need specialised expertise for targeted challenges.

About the role

A rare opportunity has become available to join our Separation Science Chemistry team in Nottingham. This is a full‑time, laboratory‑based position.

As a Principal / Lead Scientist, you will act as a technical expert within Separation Science, supporting integrated client projects and specialist analytical and purification services. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across Chemistry, DMPK, Formulation and Bioscience, helping to shape scientific direction and strengthen our analytical and purification capabilities.

You will also support, coach and develop junior chromatographers, helping to build their technical capability and scientific judgement. Experience managing, mentoring or coaching scientists is therefore essential.

This role offers the chance to work across a broad and varied portfolio of projects, using a range of tools and instrumentation, including Supercritical Fluid Chromatography, to analyse and interpret complex data.

If you have gained your Separation Science experience within academia, a CRO, biotech or pharmaceutical environment and are looking for an opportunity to broaden your impact across a diverse portfolio of projects, we´d love to hear from you.

Role Responsibilities

• Oversee and contribute to the purification lifecycle from crude to pure material
• Provide subject matter expertise across drug discovery programmes influencing compound progression and workflow decisions to internal and external customers
• Ensure high quality experimental design, execution and reporting across multiple diverse projects
• Act as a technical expert for all instrumentation, partnering with vendors and training of internal team members
• Represent Separation Science in internal forums and external collaborations
• Mentor and develop scientists, fostering a high-performance, collaborative team culture
• Key role in the integration and application of AI and machine learning approaches to optimise chromatographic workflows

Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in a Scientific Discipline or master’s degree and experience in a Separation Science
• Proven track record of line management and ability to manage small (4-6 people) scientific teams.
• Strong communication skills are important, as you will need to explain complex scientific and technical information clearly to clients and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills, with experience in developing junior chromatographers
• Implemented or have an understanding of AI and ML models to improve chromatographic automation
• Extensive knowledge and experience of state‑of‑the‑art preparative and analytical instrumentation with the ability to identify and troubleshoot equipment issues
• Innovation‑driven mindset, continuously seeking improvements in technology and workflow
• Ability to code chromatographic software and software / LIMS platforms is also desirable

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• Sygnature Group Pension Scheme
• 1 paid volunteer day per year

Please note

The advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.