Research Scientist

Job Description - Research Scientist

Location: Bradford
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract initially
Function: R&D / Pharmaceutical Development
Seniority: Graduate / Postgraduate / Early Career Scientist

Company Overview

An innovative pharmaceutical development organisation is looking to appoint a Research Scientist to join its R&D team. The company specialises in advanced crystal and particle engineering technologies, supporting the development and performance improvement of medicines across clinical development and commercial supply. The business works on both internal product development and external client projects, partnering with pharmaceutical companies to help progress challenging therapeutic molecules through development and towards market.

Role Overview

This position would suit a recent PhD graduate or someone with relevant postgraduate experience in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, formulation science or a related discipline. The successful candidate will support R&D projects focused on pharmaceutical crystal engineering, particle engineering, formulation development and analytical characterisation, and must be technically strong, curious, adaptable and confident working within a small, fast-moving scientific team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support R&D projects across pharmaceutical development, formulation and particle engineering.
• Interpret scientific and analytical data to support project progression.
• Assist with experimental design, troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
• Work across internal development programmes and client-led project work.
• Use a range of analytical techniques to assess material properties and formulation performance.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across R&D, development and manufacturing.
• Adapt to changing project priorities, client requirements and technical challenges.
• Communicate findings clearly through written reports, data summaries and team discussions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related subject.
• A PhD or relevant postgraduate experience would be highly beneficial.
• Knowledge or experience in solid-state science, formulation development or pharmaceutical materials.
• Strong ability to interpret scientific data and draw clear conclusions.
• A genuine interest in human health, medicine development and innovative pharmaceutical technologies.
• A creative and practical approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work well in a small team and support wherever needed.

Desirable Experience

• Supercritical fluid technology
• HPLC
• PXRD
• DSC
• TGA
• NMR
• SEM
• Particle size analysis
• Pharmaceutical formulation development
• Solid-state characterisation

Personal Attributes

• Scientifically curious and keen to learn new technologies.
• Adaptable and comfortable with changing priorities.
• A strong problem solver who can think creatively.
• Collaborative, hands on and team focused.
• Confident communicating technical information clearly.
• Motivated by working in a growing, innovative pharmaceutical environment.

Package

• Initial 12-month contract
• 6 month probationary period
• Salary range: £30,000 - £35,000
• Opportunity for progression linked to performance
• Potential long term incentives available following successful service period