Principal Scientist - Synthetic Chemistry

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Principal Scientist who is an expert in Synthetic Chemistry to join us in our Global Chemistry Synthesis Group, based at our research site in Slough, UK.

About the role

As a Principal Scientist in the Global Chemistry Synthesis Group, you will apply your chemistry expertise to the design and execution of optimised synthetic routes to intermediates, metabolites and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).

Knowledge of Process Chemistry development is highly desirable in order to design scalable routes and deliver API in a timely manner to support live projects and preclinical studies. A sound knowledge working safely on scale is a must. You will independently lead from the laboratory to overcome your own synthetic chemistry issues and provide expert input in helping others solve problems across the global UCB chemistry community.

Who you’ll work with

You will work closely with the Head of Group to influence the evolution of the group’s capabilities and strategic direction. A recognized synthetic expert, you will represent the group on project teams interacting closely with medicinal chemistry, the chemistry enabling technology group, process chemistry team and other functions to aid project delivery.

What you’ll do

You will be expected to find innovative solutions to synthetic problems that enable timely delivery of high-quality material on gram to multi hundred grams scale to support progression of therapeutic projects from across UCB sites up to candidate selection.

• Be an expert in synthetic chemistry and modern analytical methods with the ability to challenge, mentor and develop direct reports or other colleagues.

• Design, optimise and execute scalable syntheses to biologically relevant molecules and their precursors. Deliver multi-gram quantities of API and chemical intermediates to support progress of NCE projects.

• Represent functional team and influence management for scientific and operational strategy, resource use and project execution. Offer constructive challenge and champion continuous improvement of area operation to enable an effective drug discovery process. Seek cross-functional solutions to address scientific and operational issues.

• Establish a high level of innovation with current knowledge of science and technology. Proactively implement scientific and technological advancement to drive drug discovery effectiveness.

• Develop a broad understanding of process chemistry, characterisation of API (e.g. solid form), intellectual property and the needs of pre-clinical groups such as DMPK, pharmacology and toxicology.

• Contribute to the scientific and operational strategy in own area of activity through application of sound judgement and effective execution to maximize positive impact on project progression and delivery.

• Contribute to quality publications and IP patent protection.

Interested? For this role we’re looking for the following education, experience and skills

• PhD (or equivalent) in synthetic chemistry with several years of relevant experience in industry.

• Track record in the design and optimisation of scalable chemical routes. Experience of working in a process chemistry or scale-up environment is essential.

• Expert chemist with broad knowledge of organic synthesis and excellent practical lab skills. Strong track record of solving chemical problems and delivering optimized process friendly chemical routes.

• Strong knowledge of analytical methods (NMR, LCMS, etc.) to support detailed characterization of target molecules, stereochemical elucidation and assessment of purity.

• Knowledge of Process Chemistry development is highly desirable. Experience of working safely at scale is essential.

• The ability to represent the group and positively influence colleagues, project leads and senior management to achieve project goals.

Please supplement your CV with a cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this opportunity.

We can offer you a dynamic and encouraging work environment. There will be opportunities to make an impact by working in project teams where your contribution will be clearly visible and recognised and most importantly, will help bring solutions to transform the lives of people with severe diseases.

RANDATUCB

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work for us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected and has equitable opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

Learn more about sustainability at UCB and how it is integrated into our business approach.

UCB and its subsidiaries encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/colour/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity.