Molecular Characterisation Scientist, Biologics

Substrate Bio Ltd

Open roles across robotics, biology, and infrastructure. London-based;some roles remote-friendly. Molecular Characterisation Scientist, Biologics Location London Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Research The opportunity Substrate is building the molecular characterisation cascade that turns purified protein into trustworthy, quality-controlled, biophysically characterised data at scale, and you will build it from the first manual run. This is the work downstream of protein production and upstream of functional assays: quality control, binding, stability, and developability, developed by hand and engineered to move onto automation. The data this cascade produces is the product. Substrate is the critical infrastructure layer between AI and biology, and biological foundation models can predict but cannot experiment; the high quality, large scale data they need does not exist yet. Your work at the bench is what brings it into existence. About Substrate Substrate is building the critical infrastructure layer between AI and biology: an AI native automated lab that produces biological data at scale. AI for biology has a data problem, not a compute problem. Biological foundation models can predict but cannot experiment, and the high quality, large scale data they need does not exist. Substrate generates it, with quality and provenance built in. We are not a CRO and we are not a cloud lab. The company was founded by four co founders and is funded through a combination of equity and debt. The first lab is in London, with a larger automation node to follow. The work starts with two scientific verticals, protein characterisation and functional genomics, and this role sits at the heart of the protein characterisation work. The role You will build the molecular characterisation cascade that sits downstream of protein production and upstream of functional assays: the biophysical, analytical, and developability assays that decide what each molecule is and whether it holds up. The cascade will eventually run autonomously on Substrate's automation platform. In the first phase, you develop each assay by hand, running protocols manually, setting reproducibility and quality thresholds, and proving each assay out before it moves onto instrumentation. As the automation platform comes online, the work shifts toward instrumented execution, equivalence validation, and the engineering judgement calls that decide which manual steps get automated and which stay in human hands. Every level works directly with the automation engineering and software teams on the boundary between scientific protocols and autonomous execution. We are hiring across three levels Principal Scientists own a slice of the assay menu end to end: scoping, designing the manual protocol, validating it to acceptance thresholds, authoring the SOPs that translate into automation design, and seeing it through to automated execution. Scientists work alongside Principal Scientists at the bench, executing the experiments, contributing to validation work, and growing into protocol authorship over the first year. Lab Technicians are the hands on execution layer: following established SOPs, preparing reagents and consumables, maintaining equipment, and running routine steps of validated protocols so that Scientists and Principal Scientists can focus on design and troubleshooting. What you will do in your first twelve months Phase 0 - Now to AUG 2026 Land in the lab. Set up your bench at the London site and start manual assay development alongside a senior member of the protein sciences vertical. Get hands on the first priority characterisation assays as the day one menu locks. Start building QC (purity, concentration, oligomeric state), binding (SPR or BLI), and stability (nanoDSF, DLS) readouts. Run them by hand on equipment that will eventually move onto the automation platform, capturing the data structure and metadata decisions that translate into automation design. Build reproducibility, precision, and acceptance thresholds into the workflow. Contribute to the day one menu decisions and begin authoring SOPs for your slice of the assay portfolio. Help interview the scientists and lab technicians joining alongside you. Phase 1 - SEP to DEC 2026 Develop and validate a QC (purity, concentration, oligomeric state), binding (SPR or BLI), and stability (nanoDSF, DLS) workflow, first manually and then in a semi automated state, running at a scale of hundreds to a thousand samples per week and ready for full automation. Begin development of a developability package (HIC, heparin binding, AC SINS, and similar), with assay design guided primarily by downstream automation compatibility. Co design protocols with the software and automation engineering teams so the manual versions you validate are automation ready by design. Decide which manual judgement calls have to be engineered out before they reach the platform. Contribute to co design conversations with the first commercial customers, including the foundation model partners coming online from 2027. Phase 2 - JAN to MAR 2027 Workcells arrive in the lab. Move the validated assays onto them, running with instrumentation and human intervention in the loop. Validate equivalence against your manual baselines and triage failures. Open the assay menu to customers through manual and semi automated services. Run real experiments for real customers. Help bring on the next scientists and lab technicians as the vertical grows. Who you are You are a protein scientist who is excited about the actual work: designing, validating, and running biophysical and developability assays at the bench. You are comfortable in the details. You have hands on experience collecting and analysing binding kinetics and affinity data, and assessing the developability of biologics. The shape of the problem is what attracts you: assays designed for autonomous execution from day one, in a business where the data the lab produces is itself the product. You write good SOPs, and you hold yourself and your colleagues to clear reproducibility thresholds. You are pragmatic about being hands on in the early phase, when the cadence is heaviest, and you understand it eases as protocols move onto instrumentation. You enjoy working at the boundary with non biologist colleagues (automation engineers, software engineers, AI researchers), and you do not require them to be scientifically fluent before you will collaborate. We are hiring across three tiers: Lab Technician, Scientist, and Principal Scientist. The work is hands on bench science at all levels, with collaboration into automation and software; the difference is depth of ownership, design authority, and responsibility. We do not hire people into boxes, and the early team stretches beyond the strict edges of any role. Must Have - All Three Tiers Hands on experience with biophysical and/or analytical instrumentation for protein characterisation. Comfortable executing assays in a high throughput format through manual, semi automated, and instrumented phases. A track record of working alongside non scientist colleagues (automation, software, computational) on a shared workflow. Must Have - Lab Technician Relevant hands on lab experience, including apprenticeships or technician roles, is the primary consideration. Comfortable following written SOPs precisely and flagging deviations. You do not need to design experiments, but you do need to execute them reliably and communicate clearly when something looks off. Hands on familiarity with basic wet lab technique: accurate pipetting, buffer and reagent preparation, sample handling, plate setup, and instrument use. Exposure to plate readers, chromatography systems (HPLC), biophysical instruments (nanoDSF, DLS, SPR/BLI), or semi automated workflows (plate based liquid handlers) is helpful but not required. Comfortable in a fast paced, early stage environment where protocols are still being written. You are methodical, safety conscious, and do not take shortcuts. Aware of structured experimental data capture, and able to use a LIMS, ELN, or analogous infrastructure. Must Have - Scientist A PhD in protein biophysics, analytical characterisation, or biologics developability, with two or more years of relevant hands on experience; or an MSc with five years of experience in the same area. Independent, hands on competence on at least one biophysical binding platform (SPR or BLI), plus one or more orthogonal characterisation or developability assays (for example nanoDSF/DSF, DLS, analytical SEC, HIC, AC SINS, cIEF, or PAIA). Some exposure to one or more of these areas at high throughput (96 and 384 well plate formats). Confident data analysis: kinetics fitting and interpretation, and telling instrument artefacts apart from genuine molecule behaviour. Fluency with structured experimental data capture, and proficiency with a LIMS, ELN, or analogous infrastructure. Ready to grow into protocol authorship and SOP ownership over the first twelve months. Must Have - Principal Scientist A PhD in protein biochemistry, biophysics, analytical characterisation, or biologics developability, with five or more years of relevant hands on experience (at least two in industry); or a relevant science MSc with eight years of equivalent bench experience in protein science (at least two in industry). Independent, extensive experience with biologics characterisation workflows across at least three core areas, such as full SPR/BLI kinetics . click apply for full job details

Aug 05, 2026

Full time

Open roles across robotics, biology, and infrastructure. London-based;some roles remote-friendly. Molecular Characterisation Scientist, Biologics Location London Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Research The opportunity Substrate is building the molecular characterisation cascade that turns purified protein into trustworthy, quality-controlled, biophysically characterised data at scale, and you will build it from the first manual run. This is the work downstream of protein production and upstream of functional assays: quality control, binding, stability, and developability, developed by hand and engineered to move onto automation. The data this cascade produces is the product. Substrate is the critical infrastructure layer between AI and biology, and biological foundation models can predict but cannot experiment; the high quality, large scale data they need does not exist yet. Your work at the bench is what brings it into existence. About Substrate Substrate is building the critical infrastructure layer between AI and biology: an AI native automated lab that produces biological data at scale. AI for biology has a data problem, not a compute problem. Biological foundation models can predict but cannot experiment, and the high quality, large scale data they need does not exist. Substrate generates it, with quality and provenance built in. We are not a CRO and we are not a cloud lab. The company was founded by four co founders and is funded through a combination of equity and debt. The first lab is in London, with a larger automation node to follow. The work starts with two scientific verticals, protein characterisation and functional genomics, and this role sits at the heart of the protein characterisation work. The role You will build the molecular characterisation cascade that sits downstream of protein production and upstream of functional assays: the biophysical, analytical, and developability assays that decide what each molecule is and whether it holds up. The cascade will eventually run autonomously on Substrate's automation platform. In the first phase, you develop each assay by hand, running protocols manually, setting reproducibility and quality thresholds, and proving each assay out before it moves onto instrumentation. As the automation platform comes online, the work shifts toward instrumented execution, equivalence validation, and the engineering judgement calls that decide which manual steps get automated and which stay in human hands. Every level works directly with the automation engineering and software teams on the boundary between scientific protocols and autonomous execution. We are hiring across three levels Principal Scientists own a slice of the assay menu end to end: scoping, designing the manual protocol, validating it to acceptance thresholds, authoring the SOPs that translate into automation design, and seeing it through to automated execution. Scientists work alongside Principal Scientists at the bench, executing the experiments, contributing to validation work, and growing into protocol authorship over the first year. Lab Technicians are the hands on execution layer: following established SOPs, preparing reagents and consumables, maintaining equipment, and running routine steps of validated protocols so that Scientists and Principal Scientists can focus on design and troubleshooting. What you will do in your first twelve months Phase 0 - Now to AUG 2026 Land in the lab. Set up your bench at the London site and start manual assay development alongside a senior member of the protein sciences vertical. Get hands on the first priority characterisation assays as the day one menu locks. Start building QC (purity, concentration, oligomeric state), binding (SPR or BLI), and stability (nanoDSF, DLS) readouts. Run them by hand on equipment that will eventually move onto the automation platform, capturing the data structure and metadata decisions that translate into automation design. Build reproducibility, precision, and acceptance thresholds into the workflow. Contribute to the day one menu decisions and begin authoring SOPs for your slice of the assay portfolio. Help interview the scientists and lab technicians joining alongside you. Phase 1 - SEP to DEC 2026 Develop and validate a QC (purity, concentration, oligomeric state), binding (SPR or BLI), and stability (nanoDSF, DLS) workflow, first manually and then in a semi automated state, running at a scale of hundreds to a thousand samples per week and ready for full automation. Begin development of a developability package (HIC, heparin binding, AC SINS, and similar), with assay design guided primarily by downstream automation compatibility. Co design protocols with the software and automation engineering teams so the manual versions you validate are automation ready by design. Decide which manual judgement calls have to be engineered out before they reach the platform. Contribute to co design conversations with the first commercial customers, including the foundation model partners coming online from 2027. Phase 2 - JAN to MAR 2027 Workcells arrive in the lab. Move the validated assays onto them, running with instrumentation and human intervention in the loop. Validate equivalence against your manual baselines and triage failures. Open the assay menu to customers through manual and semi automated services. Run real experiments for real customers. Help bring on the next scientists and lab technicians as the vertical grows. Who you are You are a protein scientist who is excited about the actual work: designing, validating, and running biophysical and developability assays at the bench. You are comfortable in the details. You have hands on experience collecting and analysing binding kinetics and affinity data, and assessing the developability of biologics. The shape of the problem is what attracts you: assays designed for autonomous execution from day one, in a business where the data the lab produces is itself the product. You write good SOPs, and you hold yourself and your colleagues to clear reproducibility thresholds. You are pragmatic about being hands on in the early phase, when the cadence is heaviest, and you understand it eases as protocols move onto instrumentation. You enjoy working at the boundary with non biologist colleagues (automation engineers, software engineers, AI researchers), and you do not require them to be scientifically fluent before you will collaborate. We are hiring across three tiers: Lab Technician, Scientist, and Principal Scientist. The work is hands on bench science at all levels, with collaboration into automation and software; the difference is depth of ownership, design authority, and responsibility. We do not hire people into boxes, and the early team stretches beyond the strict edges of any role. Must Have - All Three Tiers Hands on experience with biophysical and/or analytical instrumentation for protein characterisation. Comfortable executing assays in a high throughput format through manual, semi automated, and instrumented phases. A track record of working alongside non scientist colleagues (automation, software, computational) on a shared workflow. Must Have - Lab Technician Relevant hands on lab experience, including apprenticeships or technician roles, is the primary consideration. Comfortable following written SOPs precisely and flagging deviations. You do not need to design experiments, but you do need to execute them reliably and communicate clearly when something looks off. Hands on familiarity with basic wet lab technique: accurate pipetting, buffer and reagent preparation, sample handling, plate setup, and instrument use. Exposure to plate readers, chromatography systems (HPLC), biophysical instruments (nanoDSF, DLS, SPR/BLI), or semi automated workflows (plate based liquid handlers) is helpful but not required. Comfortable in a fast paced, early stage environment where protocols are still being written. You are methodical, safety conscious, and do not take shortcuts. Aware of structured experimental data capture, and able to use a LIMS, ELN, or analogous infrastructure. Must Have - Scientist A PhD in protein biophysics, analytical characterisation, or biologics developability, with two or more years of relevant hands on experience; or an MSc with five years of experience in the same area. Independent, hands on competence on at least one biophysical binding platform (SPR or BLI), plus one or more orthogonal characterisation or developability assays (for example nanoDSF/DSF, DLS, analytical SEC, HIC, AC SINS, cIEF, or PAIA). Some exposure to one or more of these areas at high throughput (96 and 384 well plate formats). Confident data analysis: kinetics fitting and interpretation, and telling instrument artefacts apart from genuine molecule behaviour. Fluency with structured experimental data capture, and proficiency with a LIMS, ELN, or analogous infrastructure. Ready to grow into protocol authorship and SOP ownership over the first twelve months. Must Have - Principal Scientist A PhD in protein biochemistry, biophysics, analytical characterisation, or biologics developability, with five or more years of relevant hands on experience (at least two in industry); or a relevant science MSc with eight years of equivalent bench experience in protein science (at least two in industry). Independent, extensive experience with biologics characterisation workflows across at least three core areas, such as full SPR/BLI kinetics . click apply for full job details

Senior GC-MS Analytical Chemist

Taylorollinson Bedford, Bedfordshire

Senior GC-MS Analytical Chemist Location Bedfordshire Sector GC-MS Contract Analytical Salary Depending on experience £40,000 - £50,000 Contract Full time and permanent Our client is a specialist contract testing company that offer laboratory analysis services to the agrochemical industry. Based in Bedford, they are seeking a hard-working and enthusiastic Senior Analytical Chemist to join their inorganic analysis team on a full-time and permanent basis. If you have prior industry experience in organic analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and are looking for a new challenge in a company who can foster a long-term career then please apply. The Role This is a role for individuals who have previously worked in an accredited (ISO 17025) analytical testing facility. As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will be responsible for: Analysing a variety of client water, liquid waste and food samples across the environmental, agrochemical and waste industries. Developing and running methods for GC-MS, triple quad (GC-QQQ) and time-of-flight (GC-TOF). Working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing workload and timings as required. Sample preparation and general lab housekeeping including making stocks, reagents and solutions. Training new staff on processes. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Skills and Experience Needed Suitable Applicants will have: A degree related to Chemistry or equivalent subject (essential those without a degree, but with accredited chemistry laboratory experience will also be considered). Several years of proven experience working in an accredited (UKAS / ISO 17025 / ISO 9001) environmental testing laboratory (essential). Proven experience using GC-MS, with method development and validation experience (essential). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high throughput laboratory (essential). Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential). Indefinite right to work in the UK, without the need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential). The Package As an industry leader, our client is offering the chance to be part of a growing organisation on a permanent basis with a competitive salary and benefits package. They are able to offer support throughout your career and help with internal progression.

Jul 30, 2026

Full time

Senior GC-MS Analytical Chemist Location Bedfordshire Sector GC-MS Contract Analytical Salary Depending on experience £40,000 - £50,000 Contract Full time and permanent Our client is a specialist contract testing company that offer laboratory analysis services to the agrochemical industry. Based in Bedford, they are seeking a hard-working and enthusiastic Senior Analytical Chemist to join their inorganic analysis team on a full-time and permanent basis. If you have prior industry experience in organic analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and are looking for a new challenge in a company who can foster a long-term career then please apply. The Role This is a role for individuals who have previously worked in an accredited (ISO 17025) analytical testing facility. As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will be responsible for: Analysing a variety of client water, liquid waste and food samples across the environmental, agrochemical and waste industries. Developing and running methods for GC-MS, triple quad (GC-QQQ) and time-of-flight (GC-TOF). Working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing workload and timings as required. Sample preparation and general lab housekeeping including making stocks, reagents and solutions. Training new staff on processes. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Skills and Experience Needed Suitable Applicants will have: A degree related to Chemistry or equivalent subject (essential those without a degree, but with accredited chemistry laboratory experience will also be considered). Several years of proven experience working in an accredited (UKAS / ISO 17025 / ISO 9001) environmental testing laboratory (essential). Proven experience using GC-MS, with method development and validation experience (essential). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high throughput laboratory (essential). Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential). Indefinite right to work in the UK, without the need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential). The Package As an industry leader, our client is offering the chance to be part of a growing organisation on a permanent basis with a competitive salary and benefits package. They are able to offer support throughout your career and help with internal progression.

Senior LC-MS Analytical Chemist

Taylorollinson Bedford, Bedfordshire

Senior LC-MS Analytical Chemist Location Bedfordshire Sector LC-MS Contract Analytical Salary Depending on experience £35,000 - £45,000 Contract Full time and permanent Our client is a specialist contract testing company that offer laboratory analysis services to the agrochemical industry. Based in Bedford, they are seeking a hard-working and enthusiastic Senior Analytical Chemist to join their environmental and pesticide analysis team on a full-time and permanent basis. If you have prior industry experience in organic analysis using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and are looking for a new challenge in a company who can foster a long-term career then please apply. The Role This is a role for individuals who have previously worked in an accredited (ISO 17025) analytical testing facility. As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will be responsible for: Analysing a variety of environmental and pesticide samples from clients. This will include sample extractions. Developing and running methods for LC-MS, quantitative tandem mass spec (LC-MS/MS) and HPLC. Supervising and training junior staff members. Working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing workload and timings as required. Sample preparation and general lab housekeeping including making stocks, reagents and solutions. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Skills and Experience Needed Suitable Applicants will have: A degree related to Chemistry or equivalent subject (essential those without a degree, but with accredited chemistry laboratory experience will also be considered). Several years of proven experience working in an accredited (UKAS / ISO 17025 / ISO 9001) environmental testing laboratory (essential). Proven experience using LC-MS within this setting (essential), ideally with method development and validation experience (desired). Prior training and supervision of staff (not official line management is fine) (essential). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high throughput laboratory (essential). Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential). Indefinite right to work in the UK, without the need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential). The Package As an industry leader, our client is offering the chance to be part of a growing organisation on a permanent basis with a competitive salary and benefits package. They are able to offer support throughout your career and help with internal progression.

Jul 30, 2026

Full time

Senior LC-MS Analytical Chemist Location Bedfordshire Sector LC-MS Contract Analytical Salary Depending on experience £35,000 - £45,000 Contract Full time and permanent Our client is a specialist contract testing company that offer laboratory analysis services to the agrochemical industry. Based in Bedford, they are seeking a hard-working and enthusiastic Senior Analytical Chemist to join their environmental and pesticide analysis team on a full-time and permanent basis. If you have prior industry experience in organic analysis using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and are looking for a new challenge in a company who can foster a long-term career then please apply. The Role This is a role for individuals who have previously worked in an accredited (ISO 17025) analytical testing facility. As a Senior Analytical Chemist, you will be responsible for: Analysing a variety of environmental and pesticide samples from clients. This will include sample extractions. Developing and running methods for LC-MS, quantitative tandem mass spec (LC-MS/MS) and HPLC. Supervising and training junior staff members. Working on multiple projects simultaneously, managing workload and timings as required. Sample preparation and general lab housekeeping including making stocks, reagents and solutions. Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. Skills and Experience Needed Suitable Applicants will have: A degree related to Chemistry or equivalent subject (essential those without a degree, but with accredited chemistry laboratory experience will also be considered). Several years of proven experience working in an accredited (UKAS / ISO 17025 / ISO 9001) environmental testing laboratory (essential). Proven experience using LC-MS within this setting (essential), ideally with method development and validation experience (desired). Prior training and supervision of staff (not official line management is fine) (essential). Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high throughput laboratory (essential). Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential). Indefinite right to work in the UK, without the need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential). The Package As an industry leader, our client is offering the chance to be part of a growing organisation on a permanent basis with a competitive salary and benefits package. They are able to offer support throughout your career and help with internal progression.

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