At Charles River, we are passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives. When you join our global family, you will help create healthier lives for millions of patients and their families.
Charles River employees are innovative thinkers, who are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. We will empower you with the resources you need to grow and develop in your career.
As a Charles River employee, you will be part of an industry-leading, customer-focused company at the forefront of drug development. Your skills will play a key role in bringing life-saving therapies to market faster through simpler, quicker, and more digitalized processes. Whether you are in lab operations, finance, IT, sales, or another area, when you work at Charles River, you will be the difference every day for patients across the globe.
IMPORTANT: In order to be considered for this position, a resume/CV must be uploaded and submitted during the application process. Please make sure work history and education are added correctly.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Senior Associate Scientist Clinical Immunoassays within our Immunology, Bioanalysis & Biomarkers department located at Clear Water House on the Heriot Watt University Campus, Riccarton, Edinburgh. Please note this is a 12 month fixed term contract opportunity.
This is a dynamic and fast-growing team of over 80 researchers which work to support our clients as they bring novel treatments to patients. The team is multifunctional using a wide variety of scientific techniques across the fields of Immunology, Immunochemistry, Cell Based Assays and Molecular Biology.
Working as a scientist in our Clinical BioA team, you will be performing studies to support clinical trials for novel pharmaceuticals. The focus of this role will be on regulatory PK and immunogenicity studies using immunoassays. In this role you will demonstrate proficiency in the use of instrumentation and laboratory techniques; effectively apply your experience and knowledge to conduct method development and validation studies and troubleshoot method issues.
You will contribute to the department by completing and project managing assigned projects on time, participating in process improvement initiatives and by communicating effectively with colleagues and customers.
You will drive diversification and expansion of our capabilities in this space, collaborate with other teams locally and globally and drive the technical/scientific development of staff. You will travel occasionally to meet with sponsors and visit conferences.
The following are the minimum requirements related to the Senior Associate Scientist position:
• PhD with relevant experience or MSc/BSc with strong industry experience
• Deep practical understanding of immunoassays
• Understanding of preclinical and clinical phases of drug development
• Understanding of large molecule PK and immunogenicity assays is desired
• Excellent team spirit and people skills
• Proven organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills
Salary for this position is £33,272 per annum.
IMPORTANT: A resume is required to be considered for this position. If you have not uploaded your resume in your candidate profile, please return to upload field and attach your resume/CV.
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 120 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 17,000 employees within 90 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. And in 2019, revenue increased to $2.62 billion.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of ~85% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2019.
For more information, please visit www.criver.com.
Helping you find your moment
You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.
Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and application review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our interview process by meeting with a group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and better understand how we foster a sense of belonging at Charles River.
Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.
Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
Featured jobs
Important things are happening every moment at Charles River. This means exciting new career opportunities for you to explore. Take a look and apply today!
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Moment by moment
At Charles River, you’ll be able to contribute to incredible breakthroughs while experiencing exciting opportunities for growth and development.
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UX/UI Designer
Advocate for user-centered design solutions. Create distinctive, consistent, branded digital experiences across multiple platforms, devices, and channels.
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Sr. UX/UI Designer
Define and drive UX/UI strategies and interaction designs – from scratch and for scale – that solve business and user problems.
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Associate Director
Work with Sr. UX/IX Designers and developers to assess problems and develop solutions. Execute on plan by building coding standardisations and automating processes.
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Director, Digital Data Enablement
Lead UX management and operational teams across business units and technical teams. Identify and define fit-for-purpose strategies to integrate best practices.
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Sr. Director UX/UI Design
Mentor, coach, and guide designer teams on design strategy related to research insights, execution, continuous integration, and automated deployment.
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Animal Care Technician I-IV
Maintain the well-being of our animals by providing food, water, and a clean environment.
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Animal Care Technologist I-IV
Provide specialised care to maintain and monitor our animal's health and physical environment.
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Veterinary Technician
Help monitor, document, and triage all laboratory animal health cases.
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Team Leader / Supervisor
Supervise, train, mobilise, empower, and develop a high-performing team.
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Research Associate
Coordinate and plan activities according to study plan guidelines.
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Intern Level I
Support process/procedure improvement based on site and department needs. Gain knowledge of our corporate environment to navigate cross-functional department collaboration.
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Intern Level II
Complete comprehensive departmental projects incorporating mentorship of Level I interns as a professional development component.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I-III
Oversee the production, formulation, and banking of cellular products while maintaining compliance with GMP, GDP, and aseptic guidelines.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialised equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Clinical Veterinarian I-III
Responsible for delivering professional veterinary services and helping to manage all phases of health care for the animal colony.
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Senior Clinical Veterinarian
Utlise knowledge of laboratory animal medicine to optimise the scientific objectives of animal research protocols.
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Principal Veterinarian / Associate Director
Conduct veterinary consultations, make treatment recommendations, communicate with study directors, and follow cases through to resolution.
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Director, Laboratory Animal Medicine
Provide technical and professional oversight of all animal care and use functions involving site laboratory animals.
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Technician I-III
Follow SOP and protocols in the areas of animal handling, husbandry, and blood/urine collection.
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Technician IV-V
Handle advanced technician duties, including anesthesia, leadership and specialised sample collections.
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Project Leader (Scientific)
Serve as a scientific expert for the Lab with responsibility for staff-conducted studies.
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Team Leader (People Leader)
Oversee team activities and gain leadership skills on the path to becoming a Team Supervisor.
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Team Supervisor (People Leader)
Responsible for overall employee supervision, staff development, and team success.
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Financial Analyst
Help analyse financial data, extract/define relevant information, and interpret data.
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Financial Analyst II
Responsible for analysis, forecasting, budgeting, accounting administration, and reporting of projects.
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Senior Financial Analyst
Handle weekly and monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation. Prepare financials and key indicators for business reviews.
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Manager, Business Finance
Partner with operating businesses to raise standards in key decision areas. Present a dynamic industry, competitor, and economic context.
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Finance Director, Operation
Support all business aspects, working with site teams to direct weekly/monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I
Support the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing).
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Biomanufacturing Technician II
Perform specialised activities in the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing). Train Biomanufacturing Technician 1.
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Biomanufacturing Technician III
Help advance the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing) while interacting with clients.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialised equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Biomanufacturing Supervisor
Oversee biomanufacturing personnel, ensuring compliance with cGMP’s, CRL quality systems, and process documents in biomanufacturing.
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Biomanufacturing Manager
Lead biomanufacturing activities in the start-up and cGMP production of novel cellular products. Schedule and manage staff, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.
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Client Manager
Ensures high-quality customer service through multi-site coordination. Deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive responses to sponsor requests.
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Business Development Director
Deliver profitable sales growth by targeting and visiting clients to build strong relationships and customer loyalty.
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Senior Business Development Director
Plan and execute a territory-based field sales strategy. Drive growth through targeted long- and short-term account plans.
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Regional Sales Manager
Manage sales team within North America's Safety Assessment sales region to achieve sales and profit goals.
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Director
Partner with site leadership to achieve performance goals, develop staff, and deliver succession planning.
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Senior Director / General Manager
Lead a multi-functional team to ensure integrated operations. Collaborate with senior leadership to form plans, objectives, and policies.
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Executive Director
Lead a global, mutidisciplinary team. Develop short and long-term strategic plans tp maximise growth and profitability.
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Corporate Vice President
Provide leadership, direction, and advice to leadership and finance teams. Accountable for financial planning, directing, and controlling.
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About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organisation (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.

Supporting your well-being
Your dedication and passion make a life-saving difference in lives around the world. We’re committed to providing you with benefits that elevate your quality of life.

About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organisation (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.