Principal Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

STEM Recruitment Solutions has partnered exclusively with a valued client who is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to provide scientific leadership and hands-on expertise within a GMP-regulated manufacturing facility. This is a senior scientific role combining strategic influence, technical authority, management of a small team and active laboratory contribution, supporting a diverse portfolio of client projects across small molecules and emerging modalities.

As a Principal Scientist, you will shape and lead analytical strategy across a diverse portfolio of client projects in a GMP environment, combining hands‑on laboratory work with senior scientific leadership. You will design, execute, and interpret complex analytical studies, delivering high‑quality, compliant data that supports process development, technical investigations, and informed decision‑making.

Working closely with process chemists, project teams, quality colleagues, and clients, you will act as a trusted scientific partner, collaborating across disciplines to solve challenging technical problems and ensure analytical approaches are robust, fit for purpose, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Alongside project delivery, you will model scientific excellence, uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, and actively mentor and develop colleagues, helping to strengthen analytical capability, innovation, and scientific culture across the organisation.

About you:

• You will be passionate about delivering high‑quality analytical science, combining hands‑on laboratory expertise with leadership to drive robust, compliant outcomes in a GMP environment.
• Scientific integrity, data quality, safety, and regulatory compliance will be central to everything you do, alongside a strong focus on meeting client and project requirements. This includes leading client account, project management, reporting and presenting to clients, influencing clients and risk mitigation.
• You will be a highly skilled analytical scientist with extensive experience in method development, validation, troubleshooting, and advanced characterisation techniques, including HPLC, LCMS and GCMS specifically for APIs and solid dose pharmaceuticals.
• You will act as a trusted scientific partner, working collaboratively to shape analytical strategy and solve complex technical challenges.
• You will enjoy mentoring and developing others, actively contributing to capability building, knowledge‑sharing, and a positive, inclusive scientific culture.
• You will hold a PhD (or equivalent postgraduate qualification) in a relevant scientific discipline, with significant experience working in regulated (GMP) analytical laboratory environments.