Principal Scientist

Nexus Life Sciences; Stone Cross; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexus Life Sciences is seeking a Principal Scientist (Analytical) in Sandwich to provide senior scientific leadership and hands-on expertise across client projects. You will shape analytical strategy, mentor teams, and ensure data integrity in regulated environments.

The role requires PhD in Chemistry, strong analytical development background, and experience managing projects. Collaboration with R&D, process chemistry, and quality teams is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry required or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
• Strong experience in method development and analytical development.
• Background in drug substance / API analytical science is preferred.
• Proven project management experience in a scientific or regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical strategy and delivery across small molecules and emerging modalities.
• Design, execute, and interpret complex analytical studies to support process development and investigations.
• Provide expertise across analytical techniques (UPLC-MS, SFC, NMR, GC-MS).
• Drive method development, validation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

Skills

Method development

Analytical development

Project management

Data integrity

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

UPLC-MS

SFC

NMR

GC-MS

Job description

Principal Scientist - Analytical

Location: Sandwich

Salary: Up to £57,000 per annum

Job Type: Permanent | Full‑time (37.5 hours)

A leading UK scientific organisation is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist (Analytical) to provide senior scientific leadership and hands‑on expertise across a diverse portfolio of client projects. This is a high‑impact role for an analytical specialist who excels at method development, problem‑solving, and driving high‑quality data delivery within regulated environments.

The Role

You will shape analytical strategy, design and interpret complex studies, and act as a trusted scientific partner to multidisciplinary teams. Combining technical authority with practical laboratory work, you will ensure analytical approaches are robust, compliant, and aligned with project and regulatory expectations.

Alongside project delivery, you'll play a key role in mentoring colleagues, strengthening analytical capability, and fostering a collaborative, high‑performing scientific culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead analytical strategy and delivery across small molecules and emerging modalities.
• Design, execute, and interpret complex analytical studies to support process development and technical investigations.
• Provide expertise across techniques such as UPLC‑MS, SFC, NMR, GC‑MS and advanced characterisation methods.
• Drive method development, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D chemists, process chemists, project teams, quality colleagues, and clients.
• Uphold the highest standards of data integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor and develop scientists, supporting capability building and knowledge sharing.
• Manage projects effectively, ensuring timelines, quality, and client expectations are met.

About You

You will bring:

• A PhD in Chemistry (or equivalent postgraduate qualification).
• Strong experience in method development / analytical development.
• A solid background in drug substance / API analytical science.
• Proven experience managing projects within a scientific or regulated environment.
• Broad technical expertise across modern analytical instrumentation.
• A passion for delivering high‑quality, compliant analytical science.
• A collaborative, supportive approach to mentoring and team development.
• Ideally, experience working within GMP‑regulated analytical laboratories