Principal scientist

UCB S.A.; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB S.A. in Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom, is seeking a Principal Scientist - SPR and Biophysical Assays to join our In Vitro Pharmacology group.

You will generate critical SPR and biophysical data to advance drug discovery programs and provide scientific leadership. You will mentor scientists, lead complex SPR studies, and champion new technologies within a collaborative, hybrid work environment with 40% office time.

Qualifications

• PhD, Master's degree, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Extensive expertise applying SPR to antibody and/or small molecule discovery programs.
• Proven experience developing, optimizing, and validating complex biophysical assays independently.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and therapeutic candidate progression.
• Excellent communication skills with experience influencing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring or coaching scientists.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize SPR and biophysical assays for discovery programs.
• Generate binding, affinity, kinetic, and epitope data to support decisions.
• Lead complex studies addressing challenging scientific questions and novel therapeutic modalities.
• Champion new technologies, automation solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Present high-quality scientific data and influence project strategy across multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor scientists, share expertise, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
• Provide coaching and scientific guidance to junior team members, supporting their development.
• Where appropriate, contribute to people leadership activities, including mentoring and onboarding.

Skills

SPR expertise

Biophysical assays

Mentoring

Leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in a relevant field

Tools

SPR instrumentation

Job description

Make your mark for patients We are looking for a Principal Scientist - SPR and Biophysical Assays who is innovative, collaborative, and scientifically rigorous to join our team in In Vitro Pharmacology, based at our UCB campus in Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom.

About the role

As a Principal Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing drug discovery programs across Patient Solutions by generating critical SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and biophysical assay data. You will provide scientific leadership, influence project decisions, and help shape the future of biophysical screening capabilities. You will contribute from target validation through candidate selection while driving innovation, continuous improvement, and the adoption of new technologies.

Who you will work with

You will work within the In Vitro Pharmacology organization and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams across research sites. You will partner with scientists working on antibodies, small molecules, and emerging therapeutic modalities while acting as a technical expert in SPR and biophysical assays. You will also mentor junior scientists and help strengthen capabilities across the wider discovery community.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and optimize SPR and biophysical assays for therapeutic discovery programs.
• Generate binding, affinity, kinetic, competition, and epitope binning data to support decisions.
• Autonomously lead complex studies addressing challenging scientific questions and novel therapeutic modalities.
• Champion new technologies, automation solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Present high-quality scientific data and influence project strategy across multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor scientists, share expertise, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Provide coaching and scientific guidance to junior team members, supporting their development and contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
• Where appropriate, contribute to people leadership activities, including mentoring, onboarding, and supporting the development of fellow scientists.

Interested?

For this role, we are looking for the following education, experience, and skills:

• PhD, Master's degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Extensive expertise applying SPR to antibody and/or small molecule discovery programs.
• Proven experience developing, optimizing, and validating complex biophysical assays independently.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and therapeutic candidate progression.
• Excellent communication skills with experience influencing multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Adaptable, highly organized, and enthusiastic about implementing innovative technologies and approaches.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting the development of scientists is highly valued.
• Previous team leadership or line management experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, guide, and develop colleagues within a scientific environment is appreciated.

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value.

We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients.

We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work.

We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet.

Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

Equal Opportunity

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on #####. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.

Job Summary

• Job number: 93727
• Date posted : 2026-07-23
• Profession: Research & Development
• Employment type: Permanent