Senior Scientist

Northreach; Slough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northreach is seeking a Senior Scientist – Virology to lead virology efforts across discovery and preclinical development. You will design and oversee assays, manage CRO partnerships, and translate complex data into actionable programme strategies.

The role requires hands-on CL2 virology work and strong cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in virology or related field with extensive experience in live-virus systems, cell-based assays and project leadership within a

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in virology or related field.
• Hands-on experience with live viruses or pseudoviruses in a CL2 setting.
• Experience leading studies and coordinating CROs or external partners.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee virology assays supporting discovery and preclinical programmes.
• Lead in vitro and in vivo studies delivered internally and through external CROs.
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot cell-based infectivity and neutralisation assays.
• Translate programme objectives into clear experimental plans.
• Review CRO protocols, study reports, timelines and data packages.
• Analyse and interpret scientific data, identifying appropriate follow-up activities.
• Communicate study progress, results, risks and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to programme strategy, regulatory documentation and development planning.
• Maintain high-quality scientific records and support publications, patent applications and presentations.
• Identify scientific and delivery risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans.

Skills

Virology expertise

Live virus work

Cell culture

Study design

Data interpretation

Project management

External partnerships

Education

PhD in virology or related field

Job description

Senior Scientist – Virology

Northreach supports innovative biotechnology companies with specialist scientific and operational hiring. We are currently partnering with a growing UK biotech company seeking an experienced Virologist to lead key activities across its discovery and preclinical development programmes.

This is a broad, hands-on position combining virology expertise, experimental design, external study oversight and cross-functional project leadership. You will work across internal R&D teams and specialist CRO partners to develop assays, manage studies and generate high-quality data that informs programme decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee virology assays supporting discovery and preclinical programmes
• Lead in vitro and in vivo studies delivered internally and through external CROs
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot cell-based infectivity and neutralisation assays
• Translate programme objectives into clear experimental plans
• Review CRO protocols, study reports, timelines and data packages
• Analyse and interpret scientific data, identifying appropriate follow-up activities
• Communicate study progress, results, risks and recommendations to cross-functional teams
• Contribute to programme strategy, regulatory documentation and development planning
• Maintain high-quality scientific records and support publications, patent applications and presentations
• Identify scientific and delivery risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans

About You

• PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in virology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of virus biology, viral pathogenesis and mechanisms of action
• Hands-on experience working with live viruses, pseudoviruses or viral vectors in a CL2 environment
• Experience developing and troubleshooting cell-based virology assays
• Strong mammalian cell-culture and molecular-biology experience
• Ability to independently design experiments and critically interpret complex data
• Experience managing studies through CROs or external scientific partners
• Comfortable working across discovery and preclinical development
• Strong organisational, project-management and stakeholder-communication skills
• Experience within a biotechnology environment and an adaptable, hands-on approach

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with respiratory viruses or other clinically relevant viral pathogens
• Monoclonal antibody discovery, B-cell biology or antibody-characterisation experience
• Oversight of regulatory-compliant, GxP, translational or in vivo studies

This opportunity would suit a commercially aware scientist who enjoys combining technical virology with project ownership and external partner management. You should be comfortable operating within a fast-moving biotech environment where priorities and timelines can evolve quickly.