Associate Research Leader (Stem Cell Biology)

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom. The role is based at Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden.

Company

hirify.global Discovery Sciences provides clinical research, healthcare intelligence, and drug discovery services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

What you will do

• Lead stem cell-focused drug discovery projects from experimental design through data interpretation and client delivery.
• Develop, optimise, and characterise human stem cell-derived models, including advanced cellular platforms.
• Drive adoption of New Approach Methodologies and advanced in vitro technologies.
• Integrate stem cell models into client discovery programmes to improve translational relevance and scientific decision-making.
• Present data to clients, provide scientific insight, and contribute to project strategy and new business opportunities.
• Mentor colleagues and help expand stem cell capabilities across the organisation.

Requirements

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Significant industry experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, CRO environments, or translational drug discovery.
• Extensive hands-on experience with human stem cell-derived models, including iPSC-derived systems.
• Experience developing and optimising complex cellular assays in 2D and/or 3D formats.
• Experience with disease modelling, phenotypic screening, or translational biology.
• Ability to lead scientific projects, influence project direction, and communicate confidently with scientific colleagues and clients.

Nice to have

• Experience with organoids, spheroid systems, or co-culture models.
• Experience with high content imaging, flow cytometry, electrophysiology, qPCR, or molecular characterisation.
• Experience with automation, assay miniaturisation, and human-relevant model development.

Culture & Benefits

• Work with a scientific leadership team and access advanced stem cell and translational biology platforms.
• Contribute to a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotechnology programmes.
• Influence scientific strategy, innovation, and capability development.
• Work in a collaborative environment that encourages scientific curiosity.
• Access career development within a global healthcare and drug discovery organisation.