Scientist - Analytical and Purification Sciences

IQVIA; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA Discovery Sciences in Cambridge seeks an experienced Scientist to join the Analytical and Purification Sciences team. You will drive analytical and purification work across small-molecule programmes, integrating AI and automation to speed DMTA cycles.

The role combines hands-on experimentation with strategic planning and mentoring of junior scientists within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in achiral and chiral automated purification.
• Strong practical expertise in UPLC/HPLC, SFC, NMR and MS.
• Proven method development and chromatographic optimisation ability.
• Experience applying AI/ML in analytical workflows or automation.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality analytical and purification data to support progression of compounds.
• Develop and optimise chromatographic methods for complex molecules.
• Apply MS, NMR, UPLC/HPLC, and SFC to solve analytical challenges.
• Drive innovation in workflow automation and DNTA cycles with AI/ automation.
• Mentor junior colleagues and provide scientific guidance.
• Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments and workflows.
• Contribute to future capabilities and data-driven decision making.

Skills

Automated purification

Method development

AI/ML in analytics

Data interpretation

Instrument troubleshooting

Mentoring

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

We are looking for a proactive scientist with a strong blend of technical depth, curiosity, and leadership capability:

• 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 https://jobs.iqvia.com

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 applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.