Analytical & Formulation Sciences, Protein Mass Spectrometry Principal Scientist

Analytical & Formulation Sciences, Protein Mass Spectrometry Principal Scientist

Almirall

Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to join our Analytical & Formulation Sciences team as an expert in mass spectrometry and biophysical methods for proteins therapeutics and new complex modalities. In this role, you will provide scientific and strategic leadership for the development and application of advanced analytical methods supporting product developability, comparability, and characterization across the R&D portfolio. You will play a central role in shaping our analytical strategy, establishing and expanding our in-house capabilities, mentoring scientists, and driving innovation in molecular analytics to accelerate development in medical dermatology.

With an entrepreneurial mindset, the Principal Scientist will act as a key liaison between discovery and development activities for new products thereby contributing to the advancement of our diverse dermatology portfolio. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in supporting the needs of a versatile dermatology portfolio, enabling the organization to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape. This role is responsible for leading cross-functional experimental strategies and promoting innovation.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide scientific leadership in mass spectrometry–based characterization of protein therapeutics and new complex modalities.
• Design and oversee developability and comparability studies, ensuring robust understanding of product attributes and risks across modalities.
• Develop and implement analytical strategies for early- and late-stage projects, including technology transfer to CDMOs.
• Integrate data from multiple techniques to provide mechanistic understanding of molecule behavior and formulation impact.
• Act as subject matter expert (SME) in internal technical governance, project reviews, and regulatory discussions, ensuring alignment between analytical approaches and broader CMC objectives.
• Act as a principal point of contact between Discovery and CMC functions, translating scientific insights into actionable experimental strategies.
• Develop, drive, and oversee experimental plans, ensuring scientific rigour and alignment with project goals.
• Independently develop, validate, and implement innovative analytical methods and tools to address emerging scientific and technical challenges.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges, proposing scientifically sound solutions to advance project objectives.
• Initiate and lead collaborations with internal and external partners on new technologies and disease understanding, accelerating innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Mentor and coach scientists within the team, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, professional growth, and knowledge transfer.
• Serve as a key reference expert in mass spectrometry and biologics in medical dermatology, representing the organisation at international conferences, leading external communication plans, and engaging with the broader scientific community.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• ≥8 years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical analytical development (industry or academic translational research).
• Proven expertise in state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation, data analysis, and method development for large-molecule characterization.
• Advanced experience in biophysical methods and higher-order structure analysis.
• Strong background in developability assessment, comparability, and product understanding across modalities (proteins, mRNA).
• Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership and strategic direction in cross-functional settings.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Experience interfacing with CMC, Regulatory, and external partners (CDMOs, CROs) desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting at international scientific meetings.

PREFERRED SKILLS & COMPETENCES

• Advanced hands-on expertise with analytical instrumentation and methodologies.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring and team-building.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technology collaborations and drive scientific innovation.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential, other languages are a plus.