Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist – Virology

Northreach supports innovative biotechnology companies with specialist scientific and operational hiring. We are currently partnering with a growing UK biotech company seeking an experienced Virologist to lead key activities across its discovery and preclinical development programmes.

This is a broad, hands-on position combining virology expertise, experimental design, external study oversight and cross-functional project leadership. You will work across internal R&D teams and specialist CRO partners to develop assays, manage studies and generate high-quality data that informs programme decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee virology assays supporting discovery and preclinical programmes
• Lead in vitro and in vivo studies delivered internally and through external CROs
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot cell-based infectivity and neutralisation assays
• Translate programme objectives into clear experimental plans
• Review CRO protocols, study reports, timelines and data packages
• Analyse and interpret scientific data, identifying appropriate follow-up activities
• Communicate study progress, results, risks and recommendations to cross-functional teams
• Contribute to programme strategy, regulatory documentation and development planning
• Maintain high-quality scientific records and support publications, patent applications and presentations
• Identify scientific and delivery risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans

About You

• PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in virology, immunology, molecular biology, pharmacology or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of virus biology, viral pathogenesis and mechanisms of action
• Hands-on experience working with live viruses, pseudoviruses or viral vectors in a CL2 environment
• Experience developing and troubleshooting cell-based virology assays
• Strong mammalian cell-culture and molecular-biology experience
• Ability to independently design experiments and critically interpret complex data
• Experience managing studies through CROs or external scientific partners
• Comfortable working across discovery and preclinical development
• Strong organisational, project-management and stakeholder-communication skills
• Experience within a biotechnology environment and an adaptable, hands-on approach

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with respiratory viruses or other clinically relevant viral pathogens
• Monoclonal antibody discovery, B-cell biology or antibody-characterisation experience
• Oversight of regulatory-compliant, GxP, translational or in vivo studies

This opportunity would suit a commercially aware scientist who enjoys combining technical virology with project ownership and external partner management. You should be comfortable operating within a fast-moving biotech environment where priorities and timelines can evolve quickly.