Principal Scientist - Assay Development

Stem Recruitment; Whitehough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

STEM Recruitment is partnering with a leading biotech group in the Midlands to hire a Principal Scientist - Assay Development. You will lead scientific initiatives, supervise hands-on lab work, and guide project delivery across assay technologies and drug discovery processes.

The role includes mentoring staff, ensuring GxP adherence, and contributing to innovation and quality within a regulated setting. A PhD and CRO/pharma experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• PhD or postgraduate degree with deep scientific expertise in assay development.
• Experience in CRO/biotech/pharma settings in regulated studies (GxP).
• Proven leadership, line management, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development projects and screening initiatives.
• Oversee hands-on laboratory work and protocol execution.
• Mentor scientists and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic input and drive scientific excellence.

Skills

PhD / Postgraduate experience

Regulatory project leadership

Leadership / line management

Assay development expertise

Drug discovery understanding

Education

PhD or postgraduate degree

Job description

STEM Recruitment is working with a valued client in their search for a Principal Scientist - Assay Development to join their team in the Midlands.

The Principal Scientist will lead scientific initiatives, provide strategic input, and oversee hands-on laboratory work related to assay development and screening. This role involves guiding projects, mentoring colleagues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to the scientific excellence of the organisation.

The Principal Scientist will work across multiple projects, applying advanced technical skills in assay technologies and drug discovery processes, with a focus on innovation and quality. You will also line manage a small team of scientists.

Skills and experience:

• Relevant PhD or postgraduate experience demonstrating deep scientific expertise, plus a background in CRO, biotech, or pharma settings.
• Experience as Project Manager, Study Director, or Principal Investigator in regulated studies, including practical understanding of GxP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership skills, including line management, decision‑making, mentoring, and project delivery.
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas: biochemical, biophysical, or cell‑based assay development; protein expression, target validation; screening cascade design.
• Strong understanding of the drug discovery process