Scientist/Senior Scientist - Chemistry

Concept Life Sciences Group; Chapel-en-le-Frith; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cash plan

Pension scheme with enhanced employer

Cycle to work scheme

Retail discount scheme

Death in service benefit

Discretionary bonus scheme

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Concept Life Sciences is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist in Chemistry for a fixed-term contract at our Chapel-en-le-Frith site. You will synthesize novel drug-like molecules for biological testing and contribute to active drug discovery programs during a short-term engagement.

The role requires practical laboratory work, independence from early stages, and clear scientific communication with clients. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided for the contract duration

Qualifications

• Two years’ recent experience in an industrial synthetic chemistry setting.
• Degree or equivalent in chemistry, medicinal chemistry or related discipline.
• Skilled in common organic synthesis, purification and analytical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present research to colleagues and clients.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the synthesis of novel drug-like molecules for biological testing.
• Design, plan and deliver synthesis activities using appropriate synthetic, purification and analytical approaches.
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot synthetic protocols to improve quality, yield and efficiency.
• Interpret LC-MS, NMR and other analytical data to confirm identity and purity.
• Communicate findings clearly through project discussions, written reports and client interactions.
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality, documentation and scientific integrity.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Industrial lab experience

Drug discovery

Analytical techniques

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Medicinal chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

NMR

Purification techniques

Job description

Job Role: Scientist/Senior Scientist - Chemistry
Site: Chapel-en-le-Frith
Salary range: Competitive, depending on experience
Job type: Fixed term contract until 24th December 2026

Concept Life Sciences is looking for experienced synthetic chemists at Scientist or Senior Scientist level to join our team on a short-term fixed-term contract.

Based in our chemistry laboratories in Chapel-en-le-Frith, you will use your synthetic chemistry experience to contribute quickly to active drug discovery programmes for our clients. You will work alongside experienced chemists, taking responsibility for the synthesis of novel molecules for biological testing.

What you will be doing:

• Taking responsibility for the synthesis of novel drug‑like molecules for biological testing.
• Designing, planning and delivering synthesis activities using appropriate synthetic, purification and analytical approaches.
• Developing, optimising and troubleshooting synthetic protocols to improve quality, yield and efficiency.
• Interpreting LC‑MS, NMR and other analytical data to confirm identity and purity.
• Communicating findings clearly through project discussions, written reports and client interactions.
• Maintaining high standards of safety, quality, documentation and scientific integrity.

About you:

• You are a skilled synthetic chemist who enjoys practical, laboratory-based work and is confident using common organic synthesis, purification and analytical techniques.
• You have at least two years’ recent experience working in an industrial synthetic chemistry setting, enabling you to work independently and contribute effectively from an early stage.
• You have a degree or equivalent qualification in chemistry, medicinal chemistry or a related discipline.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable discussing and presenting your research to colleagues and clients.
• You are passionate about science, keen to share and develop your knowledge, and motivated to contribute positively to both our chemistry and workplace culture.
• Scientific integrity is of the utmost importance to you, alongside attention to client requirements and a commitment to confidentiality.

What you will get:

In addition to a competitive salary, we provide generous holiday entitlement, a pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions, a health cash plan covering a range of therapy treatments, a cycle to work scheme, a retail discount scheme, death in service benefit, a discretionary bonus scheme, and free on-site parking.

You’ll also have access to our BHN Extras platform, offering cashback, discounts, and tech/home purchases via salary sacrifice.

Colleague wellbeing is important to us - we offer 24/7 virtual GP access, emotional support services, and a comprehensive wellbeing hub. We’re proud of our inclusive, supportive culture and provide a range of learning and development opportunities to help you grow both personally and professionally.

About Concept Life Sciences:

Concept Life Sciences is a multi-disciplined Contract Research Organisation based in the UK providing market-leading scientific services globally. Over the past 25 years, Concept Life Sciences and its heritage companies have played a pivotal role in guiding numerous clients along their path to clinical success and many of these clients have evolved into enduring scientific collaborators.

From our 4 sites across the UK, we provide world-leading expertise to the pharmaceutical, biotech, agrochemical, and material science industries. We have clients across Europe, Asia, and the US, who value our knowledge-based, science-led, and customer-focused approach