Jobs in Manchester, United Kingdom

ROLE: Associate Director
Location: Confidential
Contract Research Organization (CRO) supporting global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. As part of their continued expansion, they are seeking a senior scientific leader to head their Small Molecule Bioanalysis function. The associate scientific director will provide high-level scientific leadership, strategic direction, and technical oversight of a multi-levelled team of bioanalytical scientists. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping scientific strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring the highest quality of bioanalytical output across client studies.

The associate scientific director will provide high-level scientific leadership, strategic direction, and technical oversight of a multi-levelled team of bioanalytical scientists.

• Scientific Leadership & Strategy: Lead and expand the small molecule bioanalysis capability, setting scientific direction and ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations and industry best practice.
• Oversee the design, development, and validation of complex LC–MS/MS methods for quantitative bioanalysis in a range of biological matrices.
• Provide authoritative scientific guidance on study design, troubleshooting, assay strategy, and regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA, ICH).
• Drive scientific innovation, technology evaluation, and the implementation of new methodologies and instrumentation.
• Project Oversight & Client Engagement: Act as senior scientific lead for high-profile client programmes, ensuring successful delivery of complex bioanalytical studies.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, articulating scientific rationales, presenting findings, and representing the bioanalytical team during audits and technical discussions.
• Contribute to the development of technical proposals, supporting business development with high-level scientific expertise.
• Team Leadership & Development: Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to scientists and principal investigators within the small molecule group.
• Ensure scientific integrity through detailed review and interpretation of complex data packages, reports, and validation summaries.
• Foster a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.
• Operational & Departmental Responsibilities: Work closely with senior leadership to contribute to departmental growth, resource planning, and capability development. Champion process optimisation, workflow efficiency, and laboratory excellence across the bioanalytical function. Support cross-functional collaboration with quality, project management, and other scientific teams.

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline (PhD preferred; MSc considered with significant leadership experience).

• Extensive experience in LC–MS/MS bioanalysis within a CRO or life science organisation.
• Proven record of leading LC-MS/MS method development and validation programmes across discovery, nonclinical, and clinical stages.
• Deep understanding of regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA, ICH) and their practical application to bioanalytical workflows.
• Strong track record of scientific leadership, including managing teams and overseeing complex project portfolios.
• Demonstrated ability to influence clients, defend scientific approaches, and lead high-level technical discussions.
• Experience in peptides, metabolites, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.
• Highly organised with strong decision-making ability and a collaborative leadership style.

• Experience in peptides, metabolites, or oligonucleotides is advantageous.

Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and exceptional opportunities for career advancement.

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

Location: Manchester
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 /annum
Relocation Package
Job Type: FullTime
Category: Medical/Pharmaceutical/Scientific