Life Science
We recruit research scientists, biochemists, antibody discovery specialists and bioprocessing professionals across the UK and Europe, supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. With life science backgrounds ourselves, we understand the science behind the CV - from assay development and antibody discovery to cell biology and bioprocessing. It’s specialist life science recruitment built on genuine scientific understanding.
Where we can help
Techniques
Roles
Industries
Employment Type
Techniques and disciplines we recruit for
Life science recruitment runs on assay and technique fluency. We ask which platforms the candidate has experience with, which targets they have validated, and which biological problems they have solved. The depth matters because a phage display antibody scientist is a different hire to a hybridoma immunisation scientist, even when both CVs read 'antibody discovery'.
Which antibody discovery and protein techniques does VRS recruit for?
We recruit across phage display, yeast display, hybridoma, transgenic platforms, antibody engineering, and antibody optimisation. Protein science covers expression (bacterial, mammalian, insect/baculovirus), purification (AKTA, HPLC, SPR-driven affinity work), and characterisation (SPR, ITC, AUC, BLI, ELISA). Biophysics specialists with expertise in SPR, NMR, DSC & AUC continue the workflow.
Beyond antibody work, which other life science disciplines are in scope?
Our expertise extends to cell biology and in vitro pharmacology (FRET, HTRF, high-content imaging, flow cytometry, plate readers, automated platforms), genomics and transcriptomics (PCR, RNAseq, CRISPR, qPCR, NGS, bioinformatics), in vivo & tissue work (IHC, RNAscope, organoid models), DMPK and PK/PD, and both upstream & downstream bioprocessing, including fermentation and bioreactor scale-up.
Life Science roles we recruit for
From Research Associates and Graduate Scientists to Heads of Biology and Chief Scientific Officers, we recruit across all levels of experience. Typical roles include Research Scientists, Senior Scientists, Principal Scientists, Biochemists, Molecular Biologists, Cell Biologists, Immunologists, Antibody Discovery Scientists, Protein Scientists, Bioprocess Scientists, Group Leaders, Laboratory Managers, Heads of Antibody Discovery, Heads of Protein Science and Heads of Bioprocessing… and plenty of variations in between!
Does VRS recruit research associates and graduate scientists?
Absolutely! We recruit at all career levels, including BSc, MSc, PhD graduates and Research Associates taking their first steps into industry. We also work closely with universities and support early-career scientists through careers workshops, mentoring and share advice on making the transition from academia to industry. Our blog has plenty of useful resources for graduates and PhD researchers exploring career options.
Which life science contract assignments come through VRS?
We regularly recruit contract Research Scientists and Life Science Specialists for a wide range of assignments, from maternity and paternity cover to project-based antibody discovery, bioprocessing scale-up and specialist research programmes. Whether you need hands-on laboratory support, additional expertise during busy project periods or interim scientific leadership, we can help with both short-term cover and longer-term projects.
Industries we recruit for
Our life science recruitment expertise spans pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, biotechnology businesses, CROs and early-stage university spin-outs across the UK and Europe. We support organisations working in drug discovery and development, antibody discovery, genomics, bioprocessing and translational research, from emerging biotechs building their first scientific teams to established global pharmaceutical companies.
Which UK life science clusters hire the most?
The UK's largest life science clusters are concentrated around the Golden Triangle of Cambridge, Oxford and London, with other major hubs in Stevenage, Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire. Scotland also has an established life sciences sector, particularly around Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. These regions support a broad range of opportunities across biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, drug discovery, bioprocessing and translational research.
How does early-stage biotech hiring differ from large pharma?
Early-stage biotechs often look for adaptable scientists who can wear multiple hats, develop new assays and help build research capabilities from the ground up. Larger pharmaceutical companies typically have more established teams and processes, with opportunities for scientists to develop deeper expertise within a particular discipline. We understand these different environments and look beyond technical skills to find candidates who are suited to the role, team and stage of the business.
Absolutely! We recruit Life Scientists across the UK, Europe and North America. From our Paris office, we support scientific recruitment throughout Europe, with regular opportunities in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Nordic countries. Our US office covers life science recruitment across North America, too!