Bioanalytical Principal Scientist

Job Title: Principal Bioanalytical Scientist (Small Molecule Bioanalysis)
Location: Manchester
Company: A leading Bioanalytical CRO
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established bioanalytical Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners in drug discovery and development. The principal bioanalytical scientist will be a specialist in LC-MS/MS bioanalysis, providing high-quality analytical services for small molecules, peptides, and biotherapeutics across all stages of development.

This is a senior technical position focused on LC-MS/MS method development, validation, and scientific oversight of bioanalytical studies and teams. The client has already got career development paths in place to support progression into senior management positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead LC-MS/MS method development and validation for quantitative bioanalysis of small molecules in biological matrices (e.g., plasma, serum, urine, tissues).
  
  
• Serve as technical lead for multiple client studies, overseeing project design, troubleshooting, and scientific interpretation.
  
  
• Provide expert input on bioanalytical strategy, assay design, and regulatory compliance (FDA/EMA guidelines).
  
  
• Communicate effectively with clients to explain methods, justify scientific approaches, and provide project updates.
  
  
• Support technical proposal writing and contribute to pre-sales scientific discussions.
  
  
• Mentor and support junior scientists in method development, validation, and sample analysis.
  
  
• Review and interpret complex data, ensuring scientific integrity and consistency across reports.
  
  
• Contribute to departmental process improvements, instrumentation upgrades, and technical innovation.
  
  Key Skills & Experience
  
  
• Significant experience in LC-MS/MS method development and validation for small molecule bioanalysis in biological matrices.
  
  
• Excellent understanding of regulatory expectations for bioanalytical method validation (FDA, EMA, ICH).
  
  
• Proven ability to independently manage and deliver complex client projects in a CRO or pharmaceutical environment.
  
  
• Strong communication skills with experience presenting and defending technical work to clients.
  
  
• Experience with peptides, proteins, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.
  
  
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  
  
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across scientific and project teams.
  
  Qualifications
  
  
• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline (PhD, MSc, or equivalent).
  
  
• Experience in bioanalytical LC-MS/MS within a CRO or pharma setting.
  
  Why Join
  
  
• Join a scientifically driven, collaborative CRO environment.
  
  
• Work on diverse and technically challenging bioanalytical projects.
  
  
• Direct influence on scientific decisions and client relationships.
  
  
• Competitive salary (£45,000 to £60,000) benefits, relocation package and strong career development opportunities.
  
  Should you be suitable apply and I am able to disclose full details, including Company, Salary and Location