Job Description
Role
Crystallisation Development Scientist / Particle Scientist
Location
Alderley Park, Cheshire, England
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills, knowledge and competencies
Date posted
13th Feb 2026
Start date
ASAP
The Company
Sai Life Sciences is the fastest growing Indian Contract Research & Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO). It works with innovator biotech and pharmaceutical companies globally to accelerate their discovery, development and commercialisation of small molecules for a healthier tomorrow.
With more than 3000 staff globally, R&D facilities in Boston, Manchester & Hyderabad, and large-scale commercial manufacturing in Bidar, India, Sai today works with 18 of the top 25 pharma companies globally, as well as many leading smaller biotechs.
In 2020, the company opened its centre of excellence for process chemistry and analytical development at the Alderley Park Science Park near Manchester. The site today has >60 multi-disciplinary scientists (chemists, analysts and engineers).
On December 18, 2024, Sai Life Sciences was listed in the Indian Stock Exchange (Ticker: SAILIFE) following an IPO that was oversubscribed by >10 times.
Non-GMP manufacture of kg quantities of intermediates and APIs is currently possible within our bespoke Scale-up laboratory facility. A GMP Kilo-lab facility was brought online in 2023, capable of producing kg quantities of GMP API suitable for early phase clinical studies. Developed processes are frequently transferred to Sai’s manufacturing sites in India for further scale-up when required.
This role is a great opportunity to execute/lead particle science work packages, across a diverse portfolio in both the UK and India, and to be involved in the growth and development of the global particle sciences team. You will also get to work closely with some of the most innovative biotech and pharma companies on their most important programs.
The role will be based in Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK and will require right to work in the UK.
Occasional travel, domestic and international to India is optional.
The Role
* You will join a team that identifies, develops and optimises synthetic routes to APIs, supporting both early and late phase development.
* The successful candidate will have a strong technical and practical grounding in crystallisation design and control of physical properties.
* The role requires a detailed knowledge of the fundamental science and particle properties underpinning particle formation, solid-phase relations, particle characterisation, product isolation and drying.
* For those more experienced candidates, you will have demonstrated expertise in the successful transfer of processes developed in the laboratory to pilot and/or manufacturing scale as part of a team responsible for developing robust, high yielding processes that control quality and are readily scaled up.
* You will be responsible for delivery of phase appropriate particle formation, isolation and drying processes for relevant projects at Manchester.
* You will deliver projects at all phases of development as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers applying particle science and particle engineering concepts in tandem with the application of solid-state screening, scale-up and PAT technology.
* For more experienced candidates, there will be the opportunity to take a more global role providing support to Hyderabad projects and assisting with training initiatives.
Essential Requirements
* BSc, BEng, MSc, PhD or Post-doctoral Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related technical discipline. We welcome applications from candidates with significant relevant industrial experience, as well as high-calibre graduates or PhDs with strong academic foundations and experience from a relevant research project.
* Expertise in crystallisation development, isolation and drying to support route and process development of small molecule APIs and intermediates, gained through roles in either the pharma industry or related CDMO.
* Expertise in the application of available techniques to assess the physical properties of materials and their potential effects on chemical processes.
* Proven experience working safely with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory environment.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
* Providing expert input to design, optimise and troubleshoot crystallisation, isolation and drying processes to deliver robust and reliable processes for pilot scale and manufacturing plant.
* Working within multi-functional project teams operating to tight deadlines.
* Involvement in particle sciences related change implementation programs at the Manchester site to ensure alignment with similar groups at our India sites and to embed the understanding and design of crystallisation, isolation and drying in chemistry project teams at Manchester.
* Executing work to meet project timelines.
* Application of new or novel technologies to support projects.
Key Attributes
* Ability to solve complex scientific problems.
* Excellent communication skills to interact internally with project teams and externally with customers
* Good project management and supervisory skills.
* Collaboration and influencing skills to build partnerships with the other disciplines at Manchester, similar groups at our R&T centre in Hyderabad, and with our customers.
* Conscientious with a can-do attitude and thorough attention to detail.
* A team player.
The Offer
* A competitive Salary and Benefits package including company pension, health and life insurance, minimum of 25 days holiday per year and enhanced family leave.
* Work in a state-of-the-art facility on one of the country's leading Biotech & Life Science Parks.
* Flexible working hours and conditions to suit the right candidate.
Next steps
Please send your CV and cover letter to UKrecruitment@sailife.com with details of the role that you are applying for.
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Please note that Sai Life Sciences Ltd is unable to sponsor the visas for any candidates for the above role.