7,255 Senior Principal Scientist jobs in the United Kingdom

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist for a growing Biotechnology company in London.

As a Principal Scientist you will lead target validation to support multiple programs within the company’s drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities include

• Working with stakeholders you will provide expertise to discovery programs by developing and implementing validation strategies.
• Run experimental strategies to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets.
• Using your expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, qPCR, western blotting) you will evaluate target expression, localisation, and regulation in disease-relevant models and human tissues.
• Use and implement advanced technologies, such as multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics, or digital pathology to expand the company’s validation capabilities.
• Design biomarker strategies that strengthen translational tools.

Ideal candidates will:

Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology or related subject along with significant experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry within target validation.

You will have experience working within drug discovery pipelines and have expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques including IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, ISH, qPCR and western blotting.

The company offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

This is an opportunity to work with and influence the direction of some truly pioneering science that the company is leading on.

To apply for the Principal Scientist – Target validation role please send you CV to Peter at Rowland Talent.

Key word: Scientific, research, cancer, oncology, PCR, Assay, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology, principal scientist

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist for a growing Biotechnology company in London.

As a Principal Scientist you will lead target validation to support multiple programs within the company’s drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities include

• Working with stakeholders you will provide expertise to discovery programs by developing and implementing validation strategies.
• Run experimental strategies to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets.
• Using your expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, qPCR, western blotting) you will evaluate target expression, localisation, and regulation in disease-relevant models and human tissues.
• Use and implement advanced technologies, such as multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics, or digital pathology to expand the company’s validation capabilities.
• Design biomarker strategies that strengthen translational tools.

Ideal candidates will:

Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology or related subject along with significant experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry within target validation.

You will have experience working within drug discovery pipelines and have expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques including IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, ISH, qPCR and western blotting.

The company offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

This is an opportunity to work with and influence the direction of some truly pioneering science that the company is leading on.

To apply for the Principal Scientist – Target validation role please send you CV to Peter at Rowland Talent.

Key word: Scientific, research, cancer, oncology, PCR, Assay, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology, principal scientist

Principal Scientist: Akimbo Bio (Oxford, on-site)

Company Description

Akimbo Bio is developing tuned dual CAR/TCR anti-cancer therapies intended for in vivo delivery via lentiviral vectors.

Roles & Responsibilities

This is a full-time, on-site role based at the BioEscalator, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford. You will be our first non-founding hire and take a hands-on scientific and leadership role. You will design and execute experiments to develop in vivo lentiviral vectors delivering large payloads to targeted cell subpopulations.

Initial goals:

• Refine vector delivery, including envelope pseudotyping for targeting specificity.
• Genetically optimise payload to promote correct immune-cell function.
• Build a pipeline to maximise functional titre (TU/mL) and improve particle:TU ratio; establish release/characterisation metrics (e.g., p24, genome copies, VCN).
• Develop and validate QC assays and documentation suitable for scale-up and tech transfer.
• Map IP and regulatory considerations relevant to vector design and use.

As the company grows:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop junior scientists; shape lab standards, documentation, and safety culture.
• Lead collaborations with external partners; define experimental plans, success criteria, and decision gates.
• Liaise with CROs/CDMOs to arrange murine studies including delivery of PBMCs & in vivo lentiviral vectors to mice; determine model selection, administration, dosing, strategy and readouts.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., virology, immunology) and robust industrial research experience.
• Strong track record in designing and executing experiments, and interpreting data for program decisions.
• Hands-on genetic construct design & engineering, including viral pseudotyping.
• Advanced experience with lentiviral preparation and quality control (e.g., concentration, purification, analytics).
• Proficiency in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Leadership: mentoring and guiding junior scientists; setting standards and reviewing work.
• Meticulous protocolling and documentation (ELN/SOP mindset).

Preferred

• Publications/preprints demonstrating in vivo lentiviral work.
• Experience building pipelines aligned to GLP-like standards for research robustness.
• Biotech/industry exposure or regulatory interactions.
• Awareness of alternative delivery systems (e.g., LNPs) and their trade-offs.
• Ability to plan/co-ordinate mouse experiments.
• Working knowledge of IP/licensing around delivery systems.
• Computational skills (e.g., RNA-seq/WGS analysis) and data workflows.

Compensation

• Salary: £65,000–£72,000
• Equity: stock options (to be agreed)
• Pension and standard benefits

Application Process

The call is open on a rolling basis until filled. Applications received by 14 October 2025 (23:59 UK time) will be considered in an early review for interviews commencing 20 October 2025. There will be three interviews (30-45 minutes each) over ~2 weeks:

1. Semi-structured - skills, qualifications, achievements
2. Semi-structured - scientific creativity, thinking
3. Presentation - leadership, execution (10-12 slides about your prior work)

We’re happy to provide reasonable adjustments during the process; please tell us what you need.

How to Apply

Please submit the following at application:

1. CV (include publications/preprints, awards, patents, grants, conference talks)
2. Cover letter addressing your fit for this role, plus two short case studies (~1 page each) showing how you took a problem from hypothesis → design → data → decision/impact (redact as needed)
3. Right to work: confirm UK work authorisation and whether you would require sponsorship
4. Apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply (attach all documents). If you encounter upload issues, email everything to

Shortlisted candidates may be asked later to confirm any existing non-compete/IP assignment obligations and provide references.

Equal Opportunities

Akimbo Bio is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and make selection decisions based on skills and experience. We also are open to considering applications from candidates who do not strictly meet all of the criteria but have the relevant industry experience.

Questions?

Email:

About Cora Biosciences

We are a newly launched, venture-backed biotech spinout from a leading academic institution, dedicated to transforming the treatment of serious diseases using next-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics. With a strong scientific foundation and a leadership team of experienced drug developers, we are building a pipeline of RNA-targeted therapies that address high unmet medical need.

We are seeking a Principal Scientist – Discovery Biology to join our founding research team in London. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the scientific direction of an early-stage company while making meaningful contributions to the development of novel ASO therapeutics.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Principal Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will lead the biological evaluation of antisense oligonucleotides from early discovery through lead identification for cardiac therapeutic applications. This is role is responsible for developing and executing ASO screening cascades, building disease-relevant in vitro and in vivo models, and driving the biological characterization of candidate molecules.

You will work cross-functionally with chemistry, bioinformatics, and translational teams to advance our early pipeline, helping to define the next generation of RNA-targeted therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement high-throughput in vitro screening assays for ASO activity, selectivity, uptake, and toxicity.
• Build and validate disease-relevant cellular and molecular models (e.g., primary cells, iPSC-derived models, organoids, etc.) for ASO screening and mechanistic studies.
• Lead the biological evaluation of ASO candidates to support lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Design and execute in vivo pharmacology studies to assess ASO distribution, target engagement, efficacy, and safety.
• Work closely with internal medicinal chemistry and oligo synthesis teams to guide rational ASO design, and lead CRO and academic collaborations and ensuring high-quality data generation.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics to support target validation, RNA expression analysis, and biomarker identification.
• Interpret complex biological datasets and communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
• Organise, analyse and interpret internal research data to identify key insights that will inform future research activities and business strategy and clearly communicating these to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Gathering, organising and analysing external data, including scientific literature and databases, regulatory filings, clinical trial registries, press releases, industry reports and trends to identify both potential collaborative opportunities as well as to provide program specific recommendations and insights
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to building a high-performing research team and culture.
• Maintaining high standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and security when handling sensitive data related to proprietary research findings.
• Help shape the company's scientific strategy, infrastructure, and R&D roadmap.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 7+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Proven expertise in nucleic acid therapeutics, especially ASOs.
• Strong track record in molecular and cellular biology assay development, including vector design, psiCHECK, QuantiGene assays, qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, RNAscope and transcriptome analysis.
• Hands-on experience with cell-based disease models, especially in cardiac diseases.
• Experience in developing transgenic mouse models.
• Experience designing and executing in vivo studies in rodents for ASO or RNA therapeutic evaluation.
• Strong track record in working with CROs and academic collaborators.
• Familiarity with ASO delivery, uptake, and metabolism in various tissues.
• Excellent experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly present scientific data and strategies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in early-stage drug discovery or biotech startups.
• Knowledge of RNA biology, splicing regulation, or RNA-protein interactions.
• Experience with high-content imaging, single-cell RNAseq, or transcriptomics.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to be part of an early-stage team shaping the future of a high-impact biotech startup.
• Work at the intersection of cutting-edge science and unmet clinical need.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive startup environment.
• Modern lab and office space in the heart of London's biotech ecosystem.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the aim to fill the position promptly. Therefore, we encourage qualified individuals to submit their applications without delay.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Job Title : Principal Scientist - Protein

Working Location : Bracknell

Rate : £23.89 per hour

Contract Length : 24 months

Start Date : 19th January 2026

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to direct and inform our process development and discovery. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of protein expression systems and how to optimise conditions to improve protein quality. They will also require a good knowledge of protein purification methods to leverage the optimisation in expression conditions to maximise final protein quality. This two-year contract offers the opportunity for the successful candidate to join a dynamic team that works across multidisciplinary functions in a leading AgriTech business.

Role profile:

• Lead upstream process development for recombinant protein production.
• Provide scientific leadership and technical guidance to team members and project teams.
• Be the technical lead to translate expression optimisation from shake flask to bioreactor.
• Design and refine expression methods and protocols to optimize protein quality.
• Investigate the relationship between expression conditions and protein quality attributes across key projects.
• Collaborate with team members and across functions to enhance overall process improvements.
• Drive optimisations in upstream processes with a data led approach.
• Work safely and with due care to others ensuring compliance with company HSE policies.

Essential experience:

• Post Doc or equivalent experience in Biotechnology, Microbiology or other similar disciplines.
• 8 + years of hands-on experience in upstream bioprocessing with expertise in:
• Recombinant protein expression (bacterial, insect, yeast or plant systems).
• Knowledge and experience of working with bioreactors.
• Experience and knowledge of transferring shake flask processes into bioreactors.
• Good knowledge of protein purification methods and techniques.
• Strong evidence of troubleshooting and innovative problem solving.
• Strong understanding of how upstream decisions impact downstream processing outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly.

Desirable experience:

• Knowledge of how construct design can impact protein expression.
• Knowledge and application of AI tools and models to inform experimental design.
• Knowledge of DoE approaches for method optimisation.
• Experience with Ambr250 micro bioreactor systems.
• Background in protein characterisation to validate protein quality from a bioprocess.
• Experience of working with scalable bioprocess technologies e.g. Tangential flow filtration
• Industry experience in Biopharma, AgriTech or related sectors.

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist for a growing Biotechnology company in London.

As a Principal Scientist you will lead target validation to support multiple programs within the company’s drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities include

• Working with stakeholders you will provide expertise to discovery programs by developing and implementing validation strategies.
• Run experimental strategies to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets.
• Using your expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, qPCR, western blotting) you will evaluate target expression, localisation, and regulation in disease-relevant models and human tissues.
• Use and implement advanced technologies, such as multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics, or digital pathology to expand the company’s validation capabilities.
• Design biomarker strategies that strengthen translational tools.

Ideal candidates will:

Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology or related subject along with significant experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry within target validation.

You will have experience working within drug discovery pipelines and have expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques including IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, ISH, qPCR and western blotting.

The company offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

This is an opportunity to work with and influence the direction of some truly pioneering science that the company is leading on.

To apply for the Principal Scientist – Target validation role please send you CV to Peter at Rowland Talent.

Key word: Scientific, research, cancer, oncology, PCR, Assay, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology, principal scientist

We are currently looking for a Principal Scientist for a growing Biotechnology company in London.

As a Principal Scientist you will lead target validation to support multiple programs within the company’s drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities include

• Working with stakeholders you will provide expertise to discovery programs by developing and implementing validation strategies.
• Run experimental strategies to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets.
• Using your expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, qPCR, western blotting) you will evaluate target expression, localisation, and regulation in disease-relevant models and human tissues.
• Use and implement advanced technologies, such as multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics, or digital pathology to expand the company’s validation capabilities.
• Design biomarker strategies that strengthen translational tools.

Ideal candidates will:

Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology or related subject along with significant experience in the Biotech or Pharmaceutical industry within target validation.

You will have experience working within drug discovery pipelines and have expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques including IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, ISH, qPCR and western blotting.

The company offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

This is an opportunity to work with and influence the direction of some truly pioneering science that the company is leading on.

To apply for the Principal Scientist – Target validation role please send you CV to Peter at Rowland Talent.

Key word: Scientific, research, cancer, oncology, PCR, Assay, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Pathology, principal scientist

Principal Scientist: Akimbo Bio (Oxford, on-site)

Company Description

Akimbo Bio is developing tuned dual CAR/TCR anti-cancer therapies intended for in vivo delivery via lentiviral vectors.

Roles & Responsibilities

This is a full-time, on-site role based at the BioEscalator, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford. You will be our first non-founding hire and take a hands-on scientific and leadership role. You will design and execute experiments to develop in vivo lentiviral vectors delivering large payloads to targeted cell subpopulations.

Initial goals:

• Refine vector delivery, including envelope pseudotyping for targeting specificity.
• Genetically optimise payload to promote correct immune-cell function.
• Build a pipeline to maximise functional titre (TU/mL) and improve particle:TU ratio; establish release/characterisation metrics (e.g., p24, genome copies, VCN).
• Develop and validate QC assays and documentation suitable for scale-up and tech transfer.
• Map IP and regulatory considerations relevant to vector design and use.

As the company grows:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop junior scientists; shape lab standards, documentation, and safety culture.
• Lead collaborations with external partners; define experimental plans, success criteria, and decision gates.
• Liaise with CROs/CDMOs to arrange murine studies including delivery of PBMCs & in vivo lentiviral vectors to mice; determine model selection, administration, dosing, strategy and readouts.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., virology, immunology) and robust industrial research experience.
• Strong track record in designing and executing experiments, and interpreting data for program decisions.
• Hands-on genetic construct design & engineering, including viral pseudotyping.
• Advanced experience with lentiviral preparation and quality control (e.g., concentration, purification, analytics).
• Proficiency in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Leadership: mentoring and guiding junior scientists; setting standards and reviewing work.
• Meticulous protocolling and documentation (ELN/SOP mindset).

Preferred

• Publications/preprints demonstrating in vivo lentiviral work.
• Experience building pipelines aligned to GLP-like standards for research robustness.
• Biotech/industry exposure or regulatory interactions.
• Awareness of alternative delivery systems (e.g., LNPs) and their trade-offs.
• Ability to plan/co-ordinate mouse experiments.
• Working knowledge of IP/licensing around delivery systems.
• Computational skills (e.g., RNA-seq/WGS analysis) and data workflows.

Compensation

• Salary: £65,000–£72,000
• Equity: stock options (to be agreed)
• Pension and standard benefits

Application Process

The call is open on a rolling basis until filled. Applications received by 14 October 2025 (23:59 UK time) will be considered in an early review for interviews commencing 20 October 2025. There will be three interviews (30-45 minutes each) over ~2 weeks:

1. Semi-structured - skills, qualifications, achievements
2. Semi-structured - scientific creativity, thinking
3. Presentation - leadership, execution (10-12 slides about your prior work)

We’re happy to provide reasonable adjustments during the process; please tell us what you need.

How to Apply

Please submit the following at application:

1. CV (include publications/preprints, awards, patents, grants, conference talks)
2. Cover letter addressing your fit for this role, plus two short case studies (~1 page each) showing how you took a problem from hypothesis → design → data → decision/impact (redact as needed)
3. Right to work: confirm UK work authorisation and whether you would require sponsorship
4. Apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply (attach all documents). If you encounter upload issues, email everything to

Shortlisted candidates may be asked later to confirm any existing non-compete/IP assignment obligations and provide references.

Equal Opportunities

Akimbo Bio is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and make selection decisions based on skills and experience. We also are open to considering applications from candidates who do not strictly meet all of the criteria but have the relevant industry experience.

Questions?

Email: