Now Hiring: CMS Project Lead / Biological Characterization Project Lead

Location: Near Maidenhead Hybrid

Contract Type: Contract 12 months to start with

Therapeutic Area: Biologics / Early-Phase Development

Are you a protein characterization expert ready to step into a strategic project lead role? We're partnering with a world-class biopharma organization seeking a CMS Project Lead to support early-phase programs advancing toward IND.

This position sits within the Characterisation and Material Sciences (CMS) department – a multidisciplinary group of scientists working across structural, functional, and material characterization of biologics.

In this role, you will:

• Lead biological characterization work packages for early-phase biologics
• Drive critical quality attribute (CQA) assessments
• Design studies, author protocols and reports, and present findings to key stakeholders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in formulation, DP, QA, regulatory, upstream/downstream, and analytical sciences
• Manage timelines, documentation, and resource planning in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

✅ What we're looking for:

• Strong scientific background in protein chemistry/biologics characterization
• Experience in mass spectrometry, higher-order structure (AUC, NMR), and degradation pathway analysis
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects in a matrixed environment
• Familiarity with early-phase development and IND-enabling studies
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why join?

• Opportunity to influence early-stage development strategy
• Work across global teams (UK, Belgium, Switzerland, US)
• Collaborate with academic partners and CROs
• Be part of a growing, high-impact department during a pivotal time

Tshering Sherpa

tsherpa@planet-pharma.co.uk