Research and Applications Scientist

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) is seeking a Research and Applications Scientist to advance crystal-structure–driven pharmaceutical science. You will deliver cutting-edge research and consultancy for global partners.

You'll work at the interface of research, software development, and industry collaboration, developing methods, scripts, and prototype tools to translate science into practical solutions for drug development.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in structural chemistry or related discipline.
• Experience using Python or a similar scientific programming language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into crystal structure–property relationships for pharmaceutical applications.
• Develop scientific methods, computational workflows, scripts, and prototype tools for practical solutions.
• Collaborate with software, commercial, and scientific teams to advance capabilities.
• Deliver scientific consultancy and research projects for partners.
• Communicate research findings through reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Provide scientific expertise to support strategic, commercial, and product development activities.
• Contribute to publications and conference presentations.

Skills

Python

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about structural science and excited by the opportunity to apply your expertise to real-world pharmaceutical challenges?

We are looking for a Research and Applications Scientist to join CCDC’s Materials Science team in Cambridge, UK. In this role, you will help to deliver cutting-edge research and scientific consultancy that enables pharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture medicines more efficiently and safely, helping bring life-changing treatments to patients faster.

This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist who wants to explore how crystal structures influence critical material properties and apply that knowledge to solve challenges across pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. You'll work at the interface of research, software development, and industry collaboration, translating scientific innovation into practical solutions for global pharmaceutical partners.

Reporting to the Materials Science Team Leader, you will work closely with colleagues across CCDC as well as leading industrial and academic collaborators. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, develop new scientific capabilities, publish your work, and help shape the future of materials science within the pharmaceutical sector.

If you're curious, proactive, collaborative, and motivated by applying science to solve meaningful problems, we'd love to hear from you.

• Conducting research into the relationships between crystal structures and downstream material properties, with a particular focus on pharmaceutical applications.
• Developing scientific methods, computational workflows, scripts, and prototype tools that translate research into practical industrial solutions.
• Collaborating with software, commercial, and scientific teams to advance new capabilities and customer-focused solutions.
• Delivering scientific consultancy and research projects for pharmaceutical and industrial partners.
• Communicating research findings and project outcomes to internal and external stakeholders through reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Providing scientific expertise across the organisation to support strategic, commercial, and product development activities.
• Contributing to the publication of scientific papers, white papers, and conference presentations that enhance CCDC's scientific reputation.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with industry and academic collaborators.

• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in structural chemistry, crystallisation science, pharmaceutical materials science, computational chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience using Python or a similar scientific programming language.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific concepts into practical outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage with both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• A professional, proactive, and customer-focused approach.

• Experience developing and applying machine learning or data-driven models.
• Experience within pharmaceutical development, formulation, manufacturing, or materials science research.
• Experience working with industrial partners or delivering scientific consultancy.
• Track record of publishing scientific research and presenting at conferences.

• Work on scientifically challenging problems with real-world impact.
• Collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers.
• Contribute to innovative research that advances materials science and drug development.
• Publish your work and represent CCDC at international scientific conferences.
• Be part of a collaborative organisation with a global reputation in structural science.

For full details, please see the full Job Description and Person Specification.