Senior Principal Scientist - In Vivo Pharmacology

Sygnature Discovery; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading drug discovery organization in Nottingham is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join the In Vivo Pharmacology team. The role involves leading research projects, guiding team members, and applying expertise in drug discovery to solve complex scientific challenges. Strong technical knowledge in metabolic diseases and in-vivo methodologies is essential. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package including private medical insurance and generous annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

Sygnature Group Pension Scheme

1 paid volunteer day per year

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in metabolic diseases and in-vivo pharmacological research methods.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent organisational and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as Project Lead for research projects, ensuring high-quality science delivery.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentoring to project team members.
• Collaborate to design and drive complex drug discovery projects.

Skills

In vivo pharmacology

Drug discovery expertise

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

BSc/MSc in relevant discipline with significant drug discovery experience

Job description

Background

Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation based in the UK and Canada with its headquarters in Nottingham and additional facilities in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Glasgow, Montreal and Quebec City. Its staff of over 1,000, which includes 900 scientists, partners with global pharma, biotech and NFP organisations. Since 2004, Sygnature Discovery has delivered over 56 novel pre‑clinical and 35 clinical compounds, with its scientists named on over 225 patents. Therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, and more. To find out more, please visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Principal Scientist to join our In Vivo Pharmacology team in Nottingham. This is a fully onsite role based in the heart of Nottingham’s city centre.

You will use your strong experience and expertise in drug discovery and In Vivo Pharmacology to play a significant role in operational and leadership responsibilities across the department, as well as championing, leading, and driving progression of the science in the department.

Role Responsibilities

• Act as a Project Lead for research projects, responsible for coordinating the delivery of high‑quality science. This role can require lab presence but will have mostly other significant non‑lab‑based roles and responsibilities.
• Provide scientific guidance and/or mentoring to project team members. Line manager duties may also be part of the role.
• Collaborate successfully internally and with clients to design and drive complex drug discovery projects.
• Use excellent problem‑solving skills to make informed decisions and deliver innovative solutions to complex scientific and technical challenges.
• Efficiently negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.
• This role may also involve acting as the Project Licence Holder, ensuring regulatory compliance across relevant permit, and providing oversight to multiple team members.

Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline, with drug discovery experience in industry and/or other relevant Postdoctoral activities. Alternatively, BSc/MSc in relevant discipline with significant drug discovery experience in industry is also suitable.
• This role requires strong technical expertise and a deep understanding of metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases) with proven experience in applying in‑vivo pharmacological research methods to study these conditions. Expert knowledge in the end‑to‑end drug discovery pathway and of current therapeutic landscape is advantageous.
• Good understanding of Home Office legislation governing in‑vivo research and direct experience in the experimental design and oversight of in‑vivo studies is advantageous.
• Significant drug discovery experience gained from an industrial environment.
• Proven technical knowledge of in‑vivo models of obesity (such as the DIO model) and/or of metabolic complications.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Excellent organisational and data management skills and a proven ability to work across several projects concomitantly.

Benefits

• 🌴 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• 🏥 Private Medical Insurance
• 🛡️ Life Insurance
• 🎯 Employee Assistance Programme
• ⚖️ Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• 💰 Sygnature Group Pension Scheme
• 💚 1 paid volunteer day per year

Please note: This advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.