Charles River Laboratories is hiring a Principal Scientist for its Biotherapeutics Drug Discovery teams based in Portishead. In this role, you will shape scientific strategy, lead multidisciplinary Discovery teams, and apply significant lab-based expertise to drive innovative assay development and immuno-oncology research forward.
What You'll Do
- Focus on innovation, help define strategy, and lead new assay, model, and platform development.
- Develop complex in vitro cell biology capabilities, with strong experience in immune-related assays supporting immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation, infection, or microbiome programs.
- Train and develop users in core techniques such as flow cytometry, Incucyte, ELISpot, Luminex, high content imaging, complex primary cell culture, molecular biology, ‘omics, and standard biochemical techniques.
- Guide and/or direct immunology disease models (autoimmune, inflammation, and infection) along with ex vivo endpoint analysis.
- Lead Molecular biology/Genetic manipulation capabilities to support immunology work.
- Co-ordinate with BD, CS, and discovery-wide operational teams to bring work into Discovery, supporting the design of complex programs that meet client needs.
- Provide project leadership of FTE/FFS or IDD client projects, driving project direction and strategy.
- Contribute to scientific leadership at the site and cross-site, mentoring and coaching the science line to deliver on strategic goals.
- Demonstrate effective project leadership, overseeing project teams comprising multiple disciplines and grades.
- Use positive influencing and role modelling abilities to drive assigned projects forward to achieve goals as agreed with clients.
- Build strong working relationships with external clients to create project plans that showcase scientific capability within time and budget constraints.
- Act as the main point of contact for client representatives, presenting data and keeping them updated on progress.
- Create work schedules and coordinate work plans to ensure tasks are delegated appropriately and are skill-appropriate for team members.
- Identify technical and other issues within projects, using strong problem-solving skills to apply appropriate resolutions.
What We're Looking For
- A PhD within a relevant scientific discipline.
- Alternatively, an MSc with significant time in industry.
- An extensive publications list.
- Significant lab-based experience within the drug discovery sector.
- Proven project leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, finances, and creation of project plans with a track record of achieving scientific milestones consistently.
- Strong influencing and people skills, able to foster a positive working environment that drives scientific innovation and aligns with the overall Discovery strategy.
- Passionate about working within the drug discovery sector, with a strong understanding of the industry.
- Proven ability to develop and train junior team members and work with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to concisely and accurately present results via slide decks, teleconference, videoconference, written report, or face-to-face.
Nice to Have
- Previous experience from another CRO or biotech.
- Significant scientific leadership experience, managing multiple integrated projects or programmes across different sites and divisions.
- Demonstrates high-quality decision making which impacts positively on project deliverables.
- Maintains a strong awareness of the relevant scientific literature and contemporary laboratory practices, sharing knowledge widely.
Technical Stack
- Flow cytometry
- Incucyte
- ELISpot
- Luminex
- High content imaging
- Complex primary cell culture
- Molecular biology
- ‘Omics
- Standard biochemical techniques
Team & Environment
You will be part of multidisciplinary Discovery teams within Biotherapeutics Drug Discovery.
Benefits & Compensation
- A competitive benefits package
- A generous company pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Dental coverage
- Performance bonuses
- Access to employee discount programs
Charles River Laboratories is passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives, guided by mission, excellent science, and a strong sense of purpose. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging.
