Principal Scientist, Analytical Chemistry

Xyme; Oxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Xyme Ltd is seeking a Principal Scientist, Analytical Chemistry to establish and lead the company’s analytical capabilities in Oxford. You will select instrumentation, build in-house lab capabilities within 6 months, and maintain CRO partnerships for overflow capacity.

The role blends strategic planning with hands-on lab work to support biocatalysis and protein design. You will guide method development and data interpretation, lead a small team, and collaborate with AI-driven design workflows to

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in research or industry settings.
• Proven ability to develop and validate analytical methods for quantification of substrates, products and intermediates.
• Experience establishing analytical capabilities or laboratories, including instrument selection and method implementation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and shape Xyme's analytical chemistry function, defining strategy and building capabilities.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for small molecule quantification and reaction monitoring.
• Implement intact protein MS techniques for protein QC and peptide synthesis platform to produce high-quality peptides.
• Manage relationships with CROs to deliver high-quality data and maintain capacity.
• Lead hands-on analytical work to support biocatalysis and protein characterisation programs.
• Mentor and develop a small team of analytical scientists and ensure instrument uptime.

Skills

Analytical method development

Mass spectrometry

HPLC

Team leadership

Vendor management

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

LC-MS

GC-FID

Job description

About Xyme

Our mission at Xyme is to transform markets through transformative molecules by using a new class of physics-first AI that designs chemistry, proves it in the lab and converts it into proprietary molecular IP. As an innovative startup based in Oxford and Manchester, UK, we bring together interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and data specialists to push the boundaries of protein design. Our dynamic and collaborative work environment is fuelled by a passion for innovation. We cultivate a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where every team member can make a lasting impact on our groundbreaking research and real-world applications.

The Role

As Principal Scientist, Analytical Chemistry, you will establish and lead Xyme's analytical chemistry capabilities, building a function that delivers critical data to support our protein design and biocatalysis programmes. You will be responsible for 1) selecting, implementing and maintaining the analytical platforms, including HPLC, LC-MS, GC-FID, and mass spectrometry, that enable robust quantification of substrates, products, and reaction profiles from our biocatalytic processes, and 2) implementing and maintaining our peptide synthesis platform to produce short peptides for relevant projects.

Initially, you will deliver analytical data through Contract Research Organisations (CROs) while establishing our in-house laboratory within 6 months. As the facility matures, you will transition to hands-on internal operations, maintaining CRO partnerships for overflow capacity and specialist high-throughput approaches. You will work closely with biocatalysis and protein production colleagues to ensure analytical capabilities align with Xyme's evolving needs, and in time your team may grow to meet capacity demands.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives on building new capabilities from the ground up, combining strategic thinking with direct laboratory work.

The bullet points below represent our ideal setup, but we don't expect anyone to check every box. If you bring a unique blend of skills, a passion for learning, and a drive to make an impact, we want to hear from you.

What you will do

• Establish and shape Xyme's analytical chemistry function, defining strategy, selecting instrumentation, and building operational capabilities


• Develop and validate analytical methods using HPLC, LC-MS, GC-FID, and mass spectrometry for small molecule quantification and reaction monitoring


• Implement intact protein MS analytical techniques for protein QC


• Implement Xyme's peptide synthesis platform to produce high quality peptides for assays and project delivery


• Manage relationships with Contract Research Organisations (CROs) to deliver high-quality analytical data, ensuring timely delivery and data quality standards


• Perform hands-on analytical work to support biocatalysis and protein characterisation programmes, including substrate/product profiling and reaction optimisation


• Act as subject‑matter expert for analytical chemistry, advising project teams on method selection, data interpretation, and analytical strategy


• As business capacity requires, build and lead a small team of analytical scientists, providing mentorship and fostering technical excellence


• Maintain analytical instrumentation, ensuring consistent data quality, instrument uptime, and compliance with best practices


• Collaborate with computational and experimental teams to integrate analytical data into Xyme's AI-driven design workflows

What helps you succeed

• PhD in analytical chemistry, chemistry, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience in research or industry settings


• Deep expertise in chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques for small molecule analysis, including HPLC, LC-MS, and GC-FID


• Proven experience developing and validating analytical methods for quantification of substrates, products, and reaction intermediates


• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment


• Forward-looking mindset to exploit modern technologies such as AI, LLMs and data science towards automation and experimental integration


• Track record of establishing analytical capabilities or laboratories, including instrument selection, procurement, and method implementation


• Technical mastery of peptide synthesis techniques, including the use of non-canonical amino acids


• Experience managing CRO relationships for analytical services, with strong vendor management and quality oversight skills


• Hands-on proficiency with instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring consistent data quality


• Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring or line management of scientists


• Strong communication skills to convey analytical findings to cross-functional teams including chemists, biologists, and computational scientists


• Excellent data analysis skills with attention to detail and accuracy

What could make you stand out

• Experience with intact mass analysis of proteins or peptide-based methods


• Familiarity with high-throughput MS platforms such as RapidFire MS or acoustic dispensing‑MS


• Background in biocatalysis, enzyme kinetics, or bioconversion workflows


• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data integration


• Experience with Python or other scripting languages

What you will get from us

• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology with real-world impact, making significant contributions to synthetic chemistry and protein design


• A supportive and collaborative work environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, providing genuine ownership and autonomy


• Continuous learning and development opportunities, including the chance to attend and present at relevant conferences and industry events


• Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with your skills and experience

Commitment to Inclusion

Xyme is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

This role is on-site in Oxford, with the expectation of being on-site at least four days a week.