Principal Scientist (In Vitro DMPK)

Pharmaron; Hoddesdon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global CRO is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the In Vitro DMPK Assay team in Hoddesdon. The successful candidate will leverage strong scientific expertise and leadership skills to manage a team and ensure client satisfaction. Responsibilities include overseeing complex in-vitro assays, collaborating with business development, and driving innovation in drug discovery projects. A minimum of 5 years in the DMPK field is required, along with a relevant degree. This role fosters a collaborative culture that values contributions and promotes career growth.

Benefits

Collaborative culture

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in the DMPK field.
• Track record of applying in-vitro ADME knowledge.
• Experience managing technical teams.
• Strong leadership abilities and effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK assay platform with scientific expertise.
• Support partner projects across diverse drug classes.
• Coach and mentor junior team members.
• Ensure project delivery and enhance scientific reputation.
• Collaborate with Business Development.

Skills

In-vitro ADME knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Team management

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSc or BSc in Biochemistry or Chemistry

Job description

Position: Principal Scientist (In Vitro DMPK)

Location: Hoddesdon

Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high‑quality services.

About the Role

We are looking for a Principal Scientist to lead our In Vitro DMPK Assay team at our Hoddesdon site supporting Discovery ADME screening through to early development (e.g. studies associated with ICHM12).

As Associate Director you will work closely with clients, Business Development and your team members (currently 7 staff) to deliver a range of bespoke and / or scalable DMPK assays. You will apply laboratory robotics, automation and efficient data curation processes to support a wide diversity of in‑vitro endpoints (including intrinsic clearance, cell permeability, drug transporter, binding measurements).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead our UK assay platform with strong scientific expertise, and up‑to‑date knowledge of cutting‑edge techniques
• Support partner projects across a diverse portfolio of drug target classes and therapeutic areas.
• Sustain a high performing, passionate team responsive to client needs through strong oversight of group objectives, plus coaching and mentoring junior team members.
• Ensure continued project and contract delivery to our partners and to enhance the scientific reputation of Pharmaron with its scientific and commercial stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Business Development group in building the in‑vitro DMPK client base.
• Critically develop plans and proposals for new projects, working with partners to implement them successfully.
• Critically analyse, interpret results and integrate data sets to drive projects forward and generate timely key decision making data.
• Apply innovative problem solving to complex, multicellular models and across drug discovery projects leading to client satisfaction.
• Identify new technologies, which could be of significant benefit to the group, improving capability or reducing operational costs.
• Lead process improvement / new service development projects
• Provide expert scientific leadership and technical expertise across a range of DMPK assays and screens.
• Assist in the development of Pharmaron DMPK reputation through external groups, networks and publications.

Candidate Profile

• An MSc or a BSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related subjects with a minimum of 5 years industry experience working in the DMPK field
• Demonstrable track record of applying in‑vitro ADME knowledge, delivering for projects and solving problems
• Highly commercially orientated, able to demonstrate how delivery excellence can create competitive advantage to deliver and sustain business growth.
• Experience managing technical teams, setting objectives successfully developing itself and staff
• Strong leadership abilities with a ‘lead by example’ example approach that is embraced, respected and valued by team members
• Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively present scientific findings to colleagues and good scientific judgement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders and customers

Why Pharmaron?

Collaborative Culture: Thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners and collaborators.

How to Apply

Ready to seize this incredible opportunity? Join us at Pharmaron and be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence in biopharmaceutical research and development. Apply online today!

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 21,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and AffidavitAction employer, Pharmaron values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, fostering an environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed. Join us in our mission to make a difference in the world of life sciences.