Senior Biotransformation Scientist

Unilabs, a leading provider of pharmaceutical and diagnostic services, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced biotransformation scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will play a leading role in the delivery of biotransformation and metabolite characterisation studies in support of human or animal health drug discovery and development.

The ideal candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of the science, technology and regulatory requirements underpinning biotransformation and related studies conducted in support of drug discovery and development. In addition, they will have a proven track record in the management and delivery of complex biotransformation studies.

If you are a dynamic individual with a passion for biotransformation science, and you possess the required qualifications, experience and skills, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity at Unilabs. Join us in our mission to provide high quality services, support and innovative solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and deliver a range of biotransformation and related studies:

• To be an expert in the technical conduct of biotransformation studies, supporting both drug discovery and development, including unlabelled analyses following in vitro and in vivo experimentation, MIST analyses and the use of radiochemical end points.
• To act as Responsible Scientist, involving the planning, execution and reporting of studies, in collaboration with other team members and relevant Sponsors.
• To design and perform iterative metabolism experiments and troubleshoot analytical issues.
• Scientifically review reports, data packs and related documents, working together with senior scientific staff to achieve consistency.
• To monitor the progress of assigned, and scheduling of proposed, metabolism or related studies in order to meet agreed deadlines.
• To perform work in compliance with the appropriate quality and scientific regulations, including GCP where required

Act as a key liaison with Sponsors:

• To communicate regularly, proactively and effectively with Sponsors of assigned work, and to participate in Sponsor audits & visits at the request of Sponsor and/or Management.
• Contribute to the preparation and issuing of quotations, in collaboration with the commercial group
• Liaise with the commercial group to initiate and nurture relationships with potential clients, effectively communicating the unique value proposition and capabilities of Unilabs Pharma Solutions

Supervise, train and mentor more junior team members:

• To be responsible to the supervision, training and mentoring of junior staff.
• To be responsible for the appraisal process for each assigned reportee within specified timelines.
• To ensure that all assigned personnel are properly trained in relevant techniques according to company and Sponsor SOPs.
• To be a senior figure within the company and to deputise for senior staff in their absence

Scientific Development, and Industry Networking and Representation:

• To keep abreast of new scientific developments related to biotransformation science and proactively contribute to the implementation of appropriate developments into new working practices, including in vitro and analytical techniques.
• To demonstrate a proactive role in the production of scientific publications and presentations.
• Actively participate in conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events to expand professional contacts and elevate brand visibility.
• Stay current on industry and scientific developments, competitor activities, and emerging trends to keep the organisation at the forefront of research innovations.

Quality System and Health and Safety:

• To be cognisant with the Quality System and specific quality requirements from individual Sponsors.
• To write and review Standard Operating Procedures.
• To liaise with Management to identify and implement improvements in systems; to advise team of any practices which are inadequate scientifically or which are contra to SOP/GCP and ensure corrective action is taken.
• To inform Management of any staff within the laboratory who frequently fail to work in a good scientific/GCP-compliant/safe manner.
• To liaise with and assist management in the safe operation of the laboratory

General Administration:

• Establish and maintain excellent communication channels with customers, internal staff and the wider Unilabs community.
• Contribute to general laboratory procedures, including receipting of compounds and samples, laboratory organisation and instrument maintenance.
• Prepare and deliver presentations at group and team meetings

Requirements:
• BSc/MSc in Life Sciences, related field;
• PhD in a relevant field (desired);
• 5-10 years’ experience of work in a metabolite characterisation role;
• Proven track record in the delivery of metabolite characterisation studies;
• Competent in the use of MS Office products;
• Fluent in English;
• Ability to drive (desired);
• Proactive with a positive attitude;
• Self-motivated;
• Result-driven;
• Able to work independently under minimal supervision to a very high standard;
• Ability to find solutions to allow us to accommodate and deliver customer requests;
• Desire to create a legacy of new business and to take responsibility.