Principal Scientist

Westin Par; Stone Cross; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits package

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Westin Par is seeking two experienced Principal Scientists to lead strategic research programmes in a senior capacity within a leading scientific organisation. You will influence scientific strategy, mentor teams and stay hands-on with cutting-edge science while delivering high-quality, commercially impactful projects.

The role combines project leadership with technical depth across drug development and CRO collaborations, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package in a

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Significant CRO/pharmaceutical/biotech/life sciences experience.
• Proven leadership in roles such as Principal Scientist, Study Director or Project Manager.
• Strong understanding of GxP and regulatory requirements.
• Experience mentoring scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the scientific direction of complex research programmes.
• Design and oversee experimental strategies and investigations.
• Provide expert technical guidance across multiple projects.
• Review scientific data, reports and technical documentation.
• Mentor and develop scientists at all levels.
• Support quality, compliance and lab safety standards.
• Build strong client relationships and present findings.
• Contribute to business development, proposals and growth initiatives.
• Drive continuous scientific innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Mentoring

Project management

Problem solving

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Principal Scientist x 2

Immediate Opportunities Available!

Up to £60,000 p.a. + Benefits

Sandwich, Kent | Hybrid Working

Permanent | Full Time

Scientific Leadership | Drug Development | CRO | Biotechnology | Pharmaceutical Research

Ready to take the lead on innovative research programmes and influence scientific strategy at a senior level?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two experienced Principal Scientists to join a leading scientific research organisation during a period of growth and innovation.

This is an ideal opportunity for accomplished scientists seeking a position that combines strategic influence, technical expertise and team leadership whilst remaining hands‑on with cutting‑edge science. You'll play a key role in shaping research programmes, developing scientific talent, supporting client partnerships and driving scientific excellence across the organisation.

Essential Requirements

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in a relevant scientific discipline
• Significant experience within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences or academic research environment
• Proven experience in a scientific leadership role such as Principal Scientist, Study Director, Principal Investigator or Project Manager
• Strong understanding of GxP and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrable success leading scientific projects from concept through to delivery
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and data interpretation skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience mentoring, coaching and developing scientific teams

Desirable Experience

• Experience introducing new technologies, methodologies or scientific platforms
• Commercial awareness, including proposal writing or business development support
• Cross‑disciplinary research experience
• Experience representing an organisation at conferences, industry events or client meetings
• Knowledge of operational improvement and resource planning

The Role

As a Principal Scientist, you will provide scientific leadership across a diverse portfolio of research programmes, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative, high‑quality and commercially impactful projects.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the scientific direction of complex research programmes
• Designing and overseeing experimental strategies and investigations
• Providing expert technical guidance across multiple projects
• Reviewing scientific data, reports and technical documentation
• Mentoring and developing scientists at all levels
• Supporting quality, compliance and laboratory safety standards
• Building strong client relationships and presenting scientific findings
• Contributing to business development, proposals and growth initiatives
• Driving continuous improvement and scientific innovation

What's on Offer?

• Immediate vacancies with interviews being arranged now
• Opportunity to influence scientific strategy at a senior level
• Exposure‑to innovative research programmes and emerging technologies
• Collaborative and highly supportive scientific environment
• Genuine career progression opportunities
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on cutting‑edge scientific research and development

Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we can only respond to candidates whose skills and experience closely match our client's requirements. If you have not heard from us within 48 hours of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.