Job Advert Instructions

Below are the fields required for the job adverts. Please edit in the word template prior to pasting into the Job Details field in Sage People. This ensures consistency in text and colours.

Instructions to convert text to match the headings and body in this template:

Note you will need to do it by heading and body.

Select original text and copy (Ctrl+c) then paste by Ctrl+v then immediately Ctrl then t – this will change the format of the text to match:

Heading text = Museo Sans 300 size 14, Colour RGB = 0/113/185

Body text = Museo Sans 300 size 11)

Footer text = Museo Sans 300 size 14, Colour RGB = 133/200/75

Please ensure that you read Sterling Writing Guidelines and follow the requirements for external writing.

All adverts must be reviewed in line with the guidelines prior to posting!

We reflect the Sterling brand with our job adverts, so this is important. It’s also essential for search engine optimisation (SEO) to ensure that our online content (adverts and website) is shown to our potential candidates (and customers). A study found that 88% of candidates begin their job search on Google and will visit the results which appear on the first page of Google for their chosen search. By having the right wording in our adverts, we will confidently entice candidates before they search on generic job boards (we’ll also post their too).

Some examples of common blunders, with corrections:
Check use of acronyms; detail current general manufacturing practises (cGMP) instead of just cGMP

Check for unnecessary capitalisation especially for departments

Use and instead of &

Use “one”, “two” for number 1-9 and numbers for 10+

Principal Development Scientist.

Summary of vacancy name role

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join our Deeside process development team. Our bioconjugation scientists play a critical role in bridging the gap between small-molecule chemistry and large-molecule biologics, primarily focusing on the development and scale-up of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates. You will execute and manage the delivery of projects supporting our clients early-stage research and then progress lead candidate into clinical-scale manufacturing, ensuring high-quality drug candidates are ready for the clinic.

Key Responsibilities

Process Design & Optimization: Independently design and execute experiments to develop scalable bioconjugation and purification processes.

Scale-up & Tech Transfer: Transitioning processes from bench-top research to larger-scale production while maintaining product quality.

Downstream Processing: Optimize purification workflows using ÄKTA chromatography systems and Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF).

Analytical Characterization: Perform in-depth product analysis using HIC, SEC, IEX, and LC-MS to ensure quality, purity and stability.

Data-Driven Innovation: Apply Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) principles to identify critical process parameters.

Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with Project Management, Process Introduction, Analytical, and Quality teams during process development and transfer into clinical manufacturing

Key Skills and Competencies

Education:
BSc/MSc/PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Biology/Engineering or similar; and with at least 10 years relevant industry experience.

Technical Expertise:
An in-depth understanding of, and proven hands-on experience with the conjugation of small molecules (cytotoxins, fluorochromes, chelators, oligonucleotides etc) to antibodies (and other proteins).

Skilled in all aspects of downstream process development, including reactive chemistry

Highly advantageous

Experience in high throughput / parallel process & reaction screening

Process optimization and validation for late phase / commercial

Experience:
Working with highly potent molecules and associated containment strategies is advantageous. Knowledge of cGMP and EU, MHRA and FDA regulations

Analytical Skills:
Proficiency in interpreting complex data using software such as Chemstation, Chromeleon, Design Expert

Soft Skills and Mindset:
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to explain technical or complex. concepts in a clear format to both technical and non-technical audiences.

proactive, inquisitive attitude with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.

Excellent attention to detail, proven problem solver, self-motivated and positive with a desire to develop technically in their area of expertise.

Can do attitude with a determination to succeed and provide solution to complex problems.

Good organisational and planning skills with the ability to plan whilst delivering results to deadline.

Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to

Proven ability to learn and share knowledge with the rest of the process development team and enable them to successfully perform new manufacturing processes.

Creates a positive environment through self-awareness and social skills.

Emotional resilience and an ability to work under pressure with good humour.

We also require candidates to be competent with IT systems, and in particular Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

You will receive

A competitive salary, pension scheme, private healthcare, retail discounts through reward gateway, cycle to work, 26 days annual leave and bank holidays, death in service coverage, on-site health and wellbeing support and medical consultation and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance program. Training and opportunities for further career development.

Why consider Sterling?

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complimented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research and development bioconjugation services at our Deeside, North Wales facility.

We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, UK and Ireland, where we employ talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.

Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first-class science and service to our customers every day.

Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.

Be caring. Be transparent . Be willing. Be reliable.