principal scientist in Sandwich, Kent

Principal Scientist – Analytical

Location: Sandwich
Salary: Up to £57,000 per annum

A leading UK scientific organisation is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist (Analytical) to provide senior scientific leadership and hands-on expertise across a diverse portfolio of client projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical specialist with strong method development, project management and problem-solving experience within regulated environments.

The Role

You will lead analytical strategy, deliver complex studies and provide technical expertise supporting drug substance development and technical investigations. Alongside hands-on laboratory work, you will mentor scientists and ensure high-quality, compliant scientific delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead analytical strategy and complex studies supporting drug substance development and technical investigations.

• Drive analytical method development, validation and troubleshooting across techniques including UPLC-MS, SFC, NMR and GC-MS.

• Manage projects, ensuring scientific quality, timelines and client expectations are met.

• Mentor scientists and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, maintaining high standards of data integrity and regulatory compliance.

About You

• PhD in Chemistry or equivalent postgraduate qualification.

• Strong analytical development and method development experience within drug substance / API environments.

• Broad technical expertise across modern analytical instrumentation, ideally including UPLC-MS, SFC, NMR or GC-MS.

• Proven project management experience, with GMP experience and a background in mentoring scientists desirable

Benefits

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000