1. ROLE PURPOSE
The Associate Scientist provides vital scientific and operational support to project chemists and development teams across pipeline projects. This role contributes directly to the laboratory-scale development, optimization, and characterization of novel and existing drug substance routes, generating high-quality scientific data in full adherence to safety (EHS) and compliance (cGxP) standards.
2. ROLE DIMENSIONS & ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Complexity & Scope
Executes routine-to-semi-routine laboratory experiments and analytical testing where established SOPs and methodologies guide the work. Evaluates experimental parameters and applies sound observational judgment.
Supervision & Guidance
Works under the general direction of senior colleagues/supervisors. Receives detailed instruction on new assignments and ongoing coaching from experienced team members.
Internal Interaction
Collaborates productively with multidisciplinary laboratory colleagues, project chemists, and analytical teams.
Impact & Accountability
Responsible for individual laboratory precision, prompt escalation of anomalous observations, and accurate data recording to minimize rework or experimental delay.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
Laboratory Execution & Chemical Development
· Experimental Synthesis & Execution: Conduct bench-scale chemical syntheses, process development experiments, and reaction profiling under the guidance of senior scientists.
· Technique & Equipment Mastery: Demonstrate routine competency across standard and complex laboratory equipment (e.g., reaction stations, automated reactors, parallel synthesis tools, and standard purification systems).
· Hazard & Safety Management: Proactively assess chemical hazards, strictly adhere to Risk Assessments/COSHH guidelines, and safely handle hazardous materials at small scale while maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant workspace.
Analytical Characterization & Data Integrity
· Spectrometric & Physical Testing: Support the identification and characterization of reaction products, intermediates, and impurities using standard spectrometric and chromatographic techniques.
· Electronic Record-Keeping: Meticulously capture all experimental procedures, observations, raw data, and analytical results in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) and designated digital platforms in a timely manner.
· Quality & cGxP Compliance: Comply with all applicable cGxP requirements, assist in drafting and updating laboratory procedures/documentation, and maintain an up-to-date personal training curriculum.
4. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONAL FOCUS: ANALYTICAL DEVELOPMENT
· Routine & Reproducible Testing: Execute robust, reproducible analytical testing (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS, or related techniques) to support process chemistry and project milestones, documenting and reporting data according to established protocols.
· Instrumentation Support: Assist with routine maintenance and servicing of analytical instrumentation in accordance with vendor specifications and internal SOPs.
5. CANDIDATE PROFILE: QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Education & Core Knowledge
· Essential: Higher qualification (HND, BSc, or equivalent) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
· Desirable: MChem, MSc, or equivalent advanced coursework in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, or analytical chemistry.
Technical & Computational Skills
· Laboratory Competence: Practical, hands-on experience in small-scale chemical synthesis, reaction setup, standard separation techniques, and product characterization.
· Digital & Informatics Literacy: Strong working knowledge of standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel) or equivalent. Basic familiarity or developing interest in AI-assisted scientific tools, predictive modelling, or automated laboratory software.
· Desirable Competencies:
· Familiarity with applied statistical methods or Design of Experiments (DoE) within a chemical or scientific environment.
· Experience with predictive modelling workflows or AI applications in chemical synthesis/analytics.
Behavioural Attributes & Ways of Working
· Attention to Detail: High standard of precision in experimental execution, observation, and data logging.
· Agility & Continuous Learning: Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to learn new analytical methodologies, technologies, and standard procedures.
· Teamwork & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with a proven track record of building positive, cooperative and collaborative working relationships within a multidisciplinary laboratory team.