Research and Applications Scientist

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC); Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) in Cambridge, UK is seeking a Research and Applications Scientist to join the Materials Science team. You will conduct research linking crystal structures to material properties and deliver scientific consultancy to pharmaceutical partners.

The role blends research, software development, and industry collaboration, offering opportunities to publish, develop new capabilities, and shape the future of materials science in pharma.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in structural chemistry or crystallisation science.
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming language.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research into relationships between crystal structures and material properties for pharmaceutical applications.
• Develop scientific methods, workflows, scripts, and prototype tools translating research into industrial solutions.
• Collaborate with software, commercial and scientific teams to advance capabilities.
• Deliver scientific consultancy and research projects for pharma and industrial partners.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Provide scientific expertise to support strategic and product development activities.
• Contribute to publications and conference presentations to enhance CCDC's reputation.
• Build relationships with industry and academic collaborators.

Skills

Python

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Multitasking

Machine learning

Pharmaceutical development knowledge

Scientific consultancy experience

Publishing & dissemination

Education

PhD in structural chemistry / crystallisation science / pharmaceutical materials science / computational chemistry

Job description

Help turn structural science research into real-world impact

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 .

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.

What We’re Looking For

• 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.

Why Join CCDC?

• 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.