Senior Scientist/Associate Principal Scientist - Process Chemistry

Join a team that’s transforming drug development

At CatSci, we partner with our clients to solve complex scientific problems and accelerate the delivery of life-changing medicines. We’re now looking for a Senior Scientist/ Associate Principal Scientist (Process Chemistry) to join our scientific team and play a key role in delivering high-quality, client-focused science. If you’re a hands-on chemist who enjoys variety, collaboration, and seeing your work make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

We are especially keen to hear from people with late-stage process optimisation experience, encompassing activities such as impurity fate and purge, PAR/NOR studies, robustness studies, technology transfer and/or support of manufacturing campaigns.

About CatSci

Founded in 2010 by former AstraZeneca scientists, we began as a catalyst screening specialist before evolving into a fully integrated innovation partner for complex synthetic medicines. What started in a single lab in Cardiff has expanded across 14 state-of-the-art laboratories across the UK and Europe. Over the past decade, we’ve expanded into process chemistry, analytical development, oligonucleotides, and peptides, and today, CatSci stands as a trusted drug development partner to more than 100 biotechs and global pharma companies.

We pride ourselves on creating an environment where all our employees can flourish. As part of our team, you’ll thrive on a culture of continuous improvement and always be encouraged to be the best version of yourself. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

The Role

As a Senior Scientist/Associate Principal Scientist at CatSci, you’ll work collaboratively on a range of client programmes, applying your technical expertise to solve challenging problems across drug discovery and development. You’ll deliver high-quality experimental work, contribute to project success, and support the development of colleagues within a supportive, inclusive environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chemist ready to take the next step in responsibility while remaining close to the science.

What you’ll be doing

· As required by our project portfolio, technically leading projects/work packages for our customers, under the guidance of a senior manager

· Designing experimental work for yourself, and other scientists (as required), conducting laboratory work and interpreting results to draw conclusions

· Applying scientific judgement to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges

· Delivering project milestones to agreed timelines and quality standards

· Presenting data clearly to project teams and clients, both written and verbal

· Supporting and mentoring more junior scientists

· Contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture

· Maintaining excellent standards of documentation, data integrity, and laboratory safety

About you

You’ll bring strong scientific expertise, curiosity, and a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset. You’ll enjoy working across projects and collaborating with others to deliver real value for clients.

You’ll have:

· A degree (BSc, MSc or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline

· Significant relevant industry experience in process chemistry

· Strong experimental design and data interpretation skills

· The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to teams, and leading other scientists on project work as required

· Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills

Why join CatSci?

· Work on varied, impactful client projects at the cutting edge of drug development

· A supportive, inclusive culture where people can thrive

· Genuine investment in your learning, development, and career progression

· A strong wellbeing offer and enhanced family-friendly benefits

CatSci is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, Living Wage Employer, and an inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic self.

Benefits

· Competitive salary: £31,370- £60,000 per annum (depending on experience)

· 25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday

· 2 volunteer/charity days per year

· Long service awards

· Annual bonus

· Company pension

· Wellbeing Program including EAP and financial support options

· Private medical insurance

· Death in service cover

· Learning and Development opportunities

· and more great benefits!

*As an equal opportunities employer, we will provide reasonable support to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments in order to attend/ perform in the interview, please do not hesitate to let us know.