Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry (CRO/CDMO Focus)

Job Introduction

Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry (CRO/CDMO Focus)

Location: Hoddesdon, UK

Department: Process Chemistry (Late-Stage Development)

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist to join our late-stage Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon. This senior role is pivotal to our continued growth and will focus on supporting client-facing development and scale-up of drug substance processes within a fast-paced CRO/CDMO environment.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

As a Principal Scientist, you will be the scientific lead on complex development projects, working closely with cross-functional teams in different time zones and geographies, together with our clients to deliver high-quality outcomes that enable progression from clinical development to commercial launch. This is an exciting opportunity to shape project direction, influence strategy, and mentor a high-performing scientific team.

At Pharmaron we offer:

• Vibrant and dynamic employment – we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy – our future is strong and exciting!
• Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself – our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster!
• A great team where we all support each other – enjoy your work – after all you spend about a third of your time here!
  
  
  

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Provide scientific leadership in the design, planning, and execution of late-stage process development for small molecule APIs.
• Lead client projects from early engagement through tech transfer, scale-up, and regulatory submission support.
• Collaborate across functional teams to align project deliverables and timelines.
• Serve as a key client contact—host meetings, present data, and forge strong relationships.
• Drive innovation and implement new technologies to improve process robustness, safety, and efficiency.
• Supervise junior staff and contribute to the development of scientific capabilities within the team.
  
  
  

Requirements:

• PhD in chemistry or related field (or MSc/BSc with equivalent industrial experience).
• Significant industry experience (typically 15+ years) in chemical development, with a strong emphasis on late-phase development and manufacturing.
• Proven track record of working within a CRO/CDMO setting, including direct client interaction and accountability for project delivery.
• Expertise in Process Design, Quality by Design, Tech Transfer and Scale-up to Commercial Manufacture.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams and mentoring scientific staff.
• Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future
  
  
  

Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges”.

We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work.

Pharmaron acquired the Hoddesdon campus, consisting of several purpose built scientific and administrative buildings together with a purpose built conference area in February 2017. The research building has more than 5,000m2 of premier R&D space and houses an established Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Drug Discovery teams. In addition, a Formulation Development team was also recently established. The Hoddesdon site has state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard facilities for the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Formulation Development (FD) and Process Chemistry (PC).

• We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
• We offer state of the art working environment on site.
• We offer the opportunity for growth and development and will support funding for relevant training and development programmes.
  
  
  

Why Should You Apply?

This is an opportunity for you as a Principal Scientist professional to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate leadership, ambition and the desire to grow with the department.

Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards.

To be part of a team who support each other, embrace and solve technical challenges and put excellence at the heart of all that we do.

Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 21,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.