Principal Scientist (Chemical Biology)

Job Title: Principal Scientist (Chemical Biology)
Location: Stevenage
Job Type: Permanent, full time

At LifeArc, we want to hear from people who are as passionate as we are about making life science life changing that can improve patients’ lives.

A bit about the role:

This role sits within the newly formed Chemical Biology team, leading a cross disciplinary team of structural biologists and medicinal chemists. The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive knowledge in structural biology and biophysical analysis and independently develop and direct specialised non-routine drug discovery experiments. There is also the scope to lead the scientific rationale of one or more projects or lead across multiple projects in a specialised scientific field. Some key accountabilities include:

Ensure projects are robustly planned based on resource allocated and achieves its goals according to project plan

Ensure quality prosecution of project(s) including design of strategy, data summary, interpretation, and reporting

Contribute to budgeting process for project and department as required.

Decide scientific process that will be used on project

Develop and implement novel methodologies as required for project

Direct or participate in research and experiments as appropriate using familiar, new, or novel methodology/techniques

Perform analysis of complex experimental results and develop hypotheses

Propose novel avenues of research to progress the project

Interpret trends and research findings from the external environment for application to team development & progressing/maintaining ‘state of the art’ department capabilities

Advise management and leadership on project strategy and areas of specialist expertise

Contribute to the scientific strategy by advising on projects that would help progress translational challenges

About you:
Education & experience required:

Theoretical and practical scientific knowledge and expertise/experience typical of a PhD or equivalent practical work experience in structural biology with a track record of impactful contributions

Experience in either small molecule/protein or antibody structure from a drug discovery perspective (desirable)

Significant scientific project experience

A track record of leading projects or large components of projects that demonstrate the creation of novel solutions to complex problems

Experience coaching and mentoring others

Experience in technical leadership of multidisciplinary projects through to delivery

Experience of line management (desirable)

Skills & abilities:

Comfortable with ambiguity and resilience in the face of unfavourable outcomes

Strong attention to detail

Intellectual curiosity and ability to apply knowledge/experience to work within areas outside of owns immediate expertise

Critical and analytical thinker, strong problem solver

Organised and meticulous

Detail orientated and accurate

Ability to work well with others

Ability to accurately follow directions

Excellent communicator - both verbal and written

Ability to influence and persuade others

About us:

At LifeArc, our ambition is to make life science life changing. We do this by advancing scientific discoveries beyond the lab, faster, so that they can shape the next generation of diagnostics, treatments, and cures. 

Working at the cutting edge of translational science and as the early-stage translation specialists, we progress scientific discoveries on their journey to becoming a medicine, diagnostic or intervention that can improve patients’ lives. Our work begins by seeking out innovative science, then helping to develop this to a point where there is a clinical and commercial pathway for others to invest the time and money to take it further forward. 

What we can offer you:

Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays. 

Join us, and you’ll have the scope to be creative and take measured risks. You’ll be rewarded for your curiosity, for working as one team, and for learning fast. And you’ll have everything you need to be your best every day. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated in building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate and you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.