About Sygnature Discovery

At Sygnature Discovery, we create exceptional scientific outcomes. For our customers, who bring life-changing medicines to patients; and for our people, who help make this possible.

We’re 700+ scientists from over 50 countries, working as one across Europe and North America. With no competing internal programs, we offer total confidentiality and commitment.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve earned a track record of real impact: 60+ advanced candidates, 250 patents filed, 200+ active projects. Over 90% of our customers choose to stay with us – from biotechs racing to clinic to pharma companies that need specialised expertise for targeted challenges.

About the role:

Our Cellular Pharmacology department plays a crucial role in supporting drug discovery programmes focused on ion channels, GPCRs and transporters for biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients worldwide.

Our Cellular Pharmacology team are looking for a Senior Scientist II to join us on a 9-month fixed-term contract.

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Scientist II with a strong background in cell-based assays to join an established CRO. You will have the opportunity to work across a variety of pipelines and diverse programmes, tackling scientific challenges and bringing innovation to help move medicines closer to patients.

Acting as a subject matter expert in cell biology, cell signalling, pharmacology or screening, you will support multiple client programmes while providing scientific direction, project oversight and client-facing support within our growing Cellular Pharmacology group.

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific leadership across cell biology-related projects, including assisting in study design, execution, analysis, and interpretation.

• Act as a subject matter expert in cell-signalling and pharmacology, supporting multiple client programmes.

• Assist in assay development, optimisation, validation and troubleshooting activities.

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement through the implementation of new technologies and workflows.

• Build strong relationships (internal and external) through scientific discussions, data presentations and project responsibilities.

• Support business development activities and contribute to the growth of the cellular pharmacology service offering.

• Mentor and develop scientists within the team, including line management responsibilities.

Skills & Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Pharmacology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or a related discipline; alternatively a BSc/MSc with substantial industrial or academic drug discovery experience.

• Significant cell biology experience (for example, cell culture, cell-based assays, cell-line generation, cell signalling).

• Experience of assay development, trouble-shooting and solving technical challenges.

• Ability to lead scientific projects and manage workloads and planning.

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

• Experience mentoring or line managing scientific staff.

• Experience across broader receptor biology and cellular pharmacology areas, including GPCRs, ion channels, transporters, molecular biology or radio-ligand binding would be beneficial.

Benefits

🌴 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

🏥 Private Medical Insurance

🛡️ Life Insurance

🎯 Employee Assistance Programme

⚖️ Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

💰 Sygnature Group Pension Scheme

💚 1 paid volunteer day per year

Please note: This advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.