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Research Scientist Jobs (Biotech)

Scientists who drive innovation in biotechnology through cutting-edge research and development. From genomics to gene therapy, this role is at the heart of the biotech revolution.

Open roles
8
Salary range
£40k – £70k
Hiring companies
4
View 8 live roles → Get an alert

Research Scientists in the biotechnology sector are the driving force behind groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. They work in a variety of settings, from academic institutions and government labs to biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies. These scientists conduct experiments, analyse data, and develop new technologies that can transform industries. Whether you're working on gene editing, developing new drugs, or improving crop yields, the role of a Research Scientist is both challenging and rewarding.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Research Scientist

A typical week for a Research Scientist is a mix of lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Conduct experiments in the lab
  2. 02
    Analyse and interpret data
  3. 03
    Collaborate with colleagues on research projects
  4. 04
    Write reports and papers
  5. 05
    Attend meetings and presentations
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and developments
Salary on the board

£40k – £70k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 3 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
40
70
2 jobs
Senior
50
58
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 7 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Machine Learning
57%
PyTorch
43%
TensorFlow
43%
JAX
43%
Reinforcement Learning
29%
Deep Learning
29%
NumPy
29%
SciPy
29%
Pandas
29%
Graph Neural Networks
29%
Generative Models
29%
Drug Discovery
29%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for research scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Research Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in experimental design and data collection under supervision. Contribute to lab maintenance and documentation.

  2. Level 2

    Research Scientist

    2–5 yrs

    Lead specific research projects, manage small teams, and publish findings in scientific journals.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Research Scientist

    5–10 yrs

    Oversee multiple projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to strategic research planning.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Research Scientist

    10+ yrs

    Direct major research initiatives, collaborate with external partners, and influence the direction of the field.

Pathway

How to become a Research Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, followed by a master's or PhD in biotechnology or a related discipline.

  2. 2

    Research Experience

    Gain hands-on experience through internships, research assistant roles, or postdoctoral positions.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Focus on a specific area of biotechnology, such as genomics, bioinformatics, or pharmaceutical R&D.

  4. 4

    Professional Development

    Attend conferences, publish research, and build a professional network to advance your career.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Take on leadership responsibilities, manage teams, and contribute to strategic decision-making.

  6. 6

    Industry Impact

    Influence the biotech industry through innovative research, collaborations, and thought leadership.

Live jobs

8 live roles

Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Scientist (Applied LLMs), London

This role involves advancing drug discovery by applying Large Language Models to complex biological and chemical challenges. The Research Scientist will develop and refine LLM-driven methods, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to cutting-edge AI models that accelerate scientific breakthroughs. The position emphasizes innovation in model architecture, post-training techniques, and real-world application of AI in computational biology.

Isomorphic Labs London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Scientist (Machine Learning), London

A Research Scientist in Machine Learning will develop novel deep learning models and algorithms to advance drug discovery at Isomorphic Labs. Working in an interdisciplinary environment, the role involves designing AI architectures, training models on biological and chemical data, and collaborating with scientists to solve complex problems in digital biology. The work directly contributes to building a cutting-edge AI-driven drug design engine.

Isomorphic Labs London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Recursion logo

Research Scientist, Immunology

This role involves designing and executing complex in vitro assays using primary human immune cells and patient-derived tissues to support drug discovery in immunology. The scientist will contribute to target validation, mechanism of action studies, and small molecule screening, leveraging advanced technologies like flow cytometry and high-content imaging. Working within cross-functional teams, they will integrate immunology expertise into both in vitro and in vivo workstreams across the therapeutic pipeline.

Recursion Crathes, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom £52,000 – £70,400 pa
On-site Permanent
AstraZeneca logo

Senior Research Scientist – Protein Scientist

The role involves hands-on work in protein biochemistry, including expressing, purifying, and characterizing antibodies and protein constructs. The successful candidate will also perform bioconjugate generation, analytical QC, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize conjugation workflows and evaluate conjugates.

AstraZeneca Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
ECM Selection logo

Senior Research Scientist

R&D applying AI and algorithms to real-world signals/comms, sensor fusionThis senior position has a three-year term with a leading research institution and has strong Data Science elements. As a PhD-qualified scientist with further research or commercial experience, you will bring...

ECM Selection London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £58,000 pa
AstraZeneca logo

Senior Research Scientist - Biologics Engineering - Protein Engineering and Novel Modalities - Novel Modalities R&I

This role involves designing and characterising innovative biologics, particularly multivalent and multi-specific formats and inhaled delivery. You will lead in silico design, integrate wet-lab data, and collaborate with ML scientists and experimentalists to translate digital concepts into validated molecules, accelerating the discovery pipeline.

AstraZeneca Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Bioinformatics Research Scientist

This role involves analysing and interpreting complex biological and high-throughput screening datasets, developing and optimising automated data analysis tools, and supporting laboratory-based screening activities. The position requires strong computational skills and some hands-on lab work, contributing to the identification and optimisation of novel therapeutic molecules.

VRS UK Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Scientist (Machine Learning), Lausanne

A Research Scientist in Machine Learning will develop novel AI models and algorithms to accelerate drug discovery, working in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The role involves designing deep learning architectures, training models on biological and chemical data, and collaborating to solve complex problems in computational biology and chemistry.

Isomorphic Labs United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Top hirers

Companies hiring research scientists

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
3 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A PhD in biotechnology or a related field is typically required, along with relevant research experience.

  • Strong analytical skills, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.

  • Attend industry conferences, read scientific journals, and join professional organisations to stay informed.

  • You can advance to senior and principal research roles, or move into management and leadership positions.

  • Salaries vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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