Scientist - Analytical and Purification Sciences

IQVIA LLC; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA Discovery Sciences invites applications for an experienced Scientist to join the Analytical and Purification Sciences team at the Cambridge site. You will analyse and purify small molecules to advance drug discovery programmes for clients, combining technical depth with strategic thinking to drive innovation and automation across DMTA cycles.

responsibilities include developing chromatographic methods, validating analytical data, mentoring junior staff, and integrating AI/automation to

Qualifications

• Experience in achiral and chiral automated purification.
• Strong expertise in UPLC/HPLC, SFC, NMR and mass spectrometry.
• Experience developing methods and optimising chromatography.
• Experience applying AI/ML in analytical workflows, data interpretation or automation.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality analytical and purification data to support compound progression across projects.
• Develop and optimise chromatographic methodologies for complex molecules.
• Apply expertise across UPLC/HPLC, SFC, MS, and NMR to solve analytical problems.
• Contribute to innovation in analytical workflows, including plate-based methods and NMR.
• Drive AI, ML and automation integration within lab workflows.
• Leverage data science to improve predictive capability and throughput.
• Mentor and supervise junior colleagues; provide scientific guidance.
• Troubleshoot and maintain instruments.

Skills

Purification expertise

UPLC/HPLC

SFC

NMR

Mass spectrometry

AI/ML in analytics

Troubleshooting instrumentation

Method development

Data interpretation

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

MassLynx

ChemStation

Chromscope

Trilution

Job description

IQVIA Discovery Sciences is seeking an experienced, innovative, and highly motivated Scientist to join our Analytical and Purification Sciences team at our Cambridge site. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, where you will play a key role in analysing and purifying a diverse range of small molecules to advance drug discovery programmes for our clients.

The Role

As a Scientist, you will combine strong technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver high‑quality analytical and purification solutions. You will help drive innovation, optimise methodologies, and contribute to the integration of advanced technologies including AI and automation to accelerate DMTA cycles. This role extends beyond routine execution, offering the opportunity to contribute to future capabilities, challenge existing approaches, and enhance overall analytical performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality analytical and purification data to support compound progression across multiple projects
• Develop and optimise chromatographic methodologies for complex and challenging molecules
• Apply expertise across UPLC/HPLC, SFC, mass spectrometry, and/or NMR to solve diverse analytical problems
• Contribute to innovation in analytical and purification workflows, including plate‑based methodologies and/or NMR
• Drive the integration of AI, machine learning, and automation within laboratory workflows
• Identify opportunities to leverage data science to improve predictive capability, throughput, and decision‑making
• Demonstrate strategic awareness to help evolve departmental capabilities and future direction
• Act as a mentor and role model, providing scientific guidance and supervision to junior colleagues
• Take a hands‑on role in instrument troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimisation

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in achiral and chiral automated purification
• Strong practical expertise in UPLC/HPLC, SFC, NMR, and mass spectrometry
• Demonstrated experience in method development and chromatographic optimisation
• Experience applying AI/ML approaches within analytical workflows, data interpretation, or laboratory automation
• Hands‑on approach to troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instrumentation
• Experience with relevant software platforms such as MassLynx, ChemStation, Chromscope, or Trilution (advantageous)
• Track record of implementing new technologies or creative approaches to improve performance and efficiency
• Experience in scaling methods from analytical to preparative chromatography
• Passion for mentoring and developing junior scientists
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Why Join Us?

• Work at the forefront of small molecule drug discovery within a global CRO environment
• Be part of a team driving innovation in analytical science and purification technologies
• Contribute to the adoption of AI, automation, and next‑generation workflows
• Play a key role in accelerating data‑driven decision‑making and DMTA cycles
• Develop your career within a collaborative, scientifically ambitious environment

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with