Research Scientist - Biophysical Pharmacology

Make your mark for patients

We are looking for a Research Scientist – Biophysical Pharmacology who is agile and innovative to join our UK Research team based in Slough, UK (Windlesham, Surrey summer 2027).

About the role

In this role, you will generate and analyse high-quality surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and other biophysical assay data to support drug discovery projects from early target validation and hit identification, through lead optimisation and candidate selection.

Working with experienced scientists, you will develop, optimise and execute assays across small molecules, biologics and novel therapeutic modalities, helping project teams make well-informed molecule selection and development decisions.

Who you’ll work with

You will work alongside our highly experienced biophysical assay scientists and multidisciplinary drug discovery project teams, contributing high-quality experimental data and scientific interpretation.

You will collaborate with colleagues across UK Research, sharing results and recommendations while contributing to an inclusive, collaborative and learning-focused scientific environment.

What you’ll do

• Develop, optimise and execute SPR and complementary biophysical assays using state-of-the-art instrumentation.to screen and characterise antibodies, small molecules and novel therapeutic modalities
• Perform binding, affinity, kinetic, competition, blocking and epitope-binning studies to support hit identification and subsequent characterisation.
• Analyse, quality-check and interpret experimental data using appropriate data-analysis, curve-fitting and statistical approaches, communicating clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Support high-throughput experimental workflows, including sample preparation, immobilisation, single-point screening, dose-response studies and liquid-handling automation.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to assay methods, reports, guidelines and standard operating procedures while troubleshooting routine technical issues.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new technologies, automation and data-analysis approaches that improve assay quality, throughput and efficiency.

Interested? For this role you’ll need the following education, experience and skills

• A BSc in biochemistry, biology, pharmacology, biophysics or a related life-science discipline, together with practical laboratory experience from academic research, an industrial placement or employment.
• An understanding of biomolecular binding assays. Hands-on experience with SPR or another biophysical technique is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.
• The ability to plan and execute laboratory experiments carefully and develop increasing independence as your experience grows.
• An ability to analyse, quality-check and interpret scientific data using appropriate software, with an understanding of curve fitting and basic statistics.
• Good knowledge of biochemistry, pharmacology and the drug discovery process. Experience with small molecules, biologics, automated liquid handling or scientific data-analysis software would be beneficial.

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.