Principal Scientist (Downstream)

Role overview

This is a 12-month contract opportunity for a Principal Scientist to join a major new Dublin facility in a high-growth, large-scale biopharmaceutical environment. The project is substantial, fast-moving, and centered on advanced technology, with strong opportunities to broaden expertise and strengthen existing technical capabilities.

The position is based in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, and is suited to someone who can contribute to manufacturing support, process optimization, and regulatory engagement within a large operational setting.

Key responsibilities

• Review process performance data and turn that analysis into practical improvements, including gains in yield and shorter cycle times.
• Act as a process subject matter expert during regulatory inspections and related interactions with health authorities, including supporting queries with accurate data and timely responses.
• Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor when troubleshooting process issues and lead investigations through to closure for process deviations.
• Help drive process enhancements through change control and CAPA activities, and take part in the rollout of Lean initiatives across the site.

Requirements

• A minimum of a BSc degree or an equivalent qualification is required.
• You should bring extensive experience supporting drug substance manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong understanding of cGMP expectations and regulatory authority requirements is essential.
• Excellent verbal communication and technical writing ability are needed.
• You must be comfortable working across functions in a global matrix environment as well as within local team settings.
• The role requires the ability to create, explain, and defend technical and scientific approaches clearly in both written and spoken form.

Additional information

This role is part of a significant €1 billion project and offers exposure to a large-scale environment with cutting-edge technology. It is presented as an opportunity to learn new technologies while continuing to develop existing skills.