Sophia Kingan: Expert Scientific and Engineering Recruiter with a Strong Scientific Foundation

In the modern world of recruitment, few professionals combine technical expertise with people management skills as seamlessly as Sophia Kingan. Based in Sheffield, England, she has established herself as a respected Expert Scientific and Engineering Recruiter, People Manager, Masters Graduate in Drug Chemistry, and former Analytical Chemist. With over a decade of experience bridging science and recruitment, Sophia has become a trusted partner for organisations across the UK and internationally. Her story highlights how a solid foundation in science can evolve into a career dedicated to shaping industries through talent acquisition.

Academic Foundations: A Scientist at Heart

Early Education and Training

Sophia’s academic journey began at Sheffield Hallam University, where she pursued a BSc (Hons) in Forensic and Analytical Science. Graduating with First-Class Honours in 2008, she developed a strong grounding in scientific methods, data interpretation, and laboratory practices. Her dissertation, The Characterisation of Household Dust for Forensic Applications, showcased her early aptitude for analytical research. Using techniques such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and SEM-EDX, she demonstrated her ability to handle advanced instrumentation and apply statistical analysis to complex data.

Masters in Drug Chemistry

Determined to specialise further, Sophia completed her MSc in Drug Chemistry at Newcastle University in 2009, graduating with distinction. Sponsored by Cancer Research UK, her dissertation focused on Novel Pro-Drug Moieties, a project requiring expertise in organic synthesis and advanced analytical methods such as LC-MS, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. This research not only advanced her technical skills but also connected her to the wider healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Professional Experience in Science

Sheffield Assay Office

Sophia began her professional career at the Sheffield Assay Office, working as a laboratory assistant. Here, she gained practical experience in analytical chemistry, handling techniques such as dissolution of metals, potentiometric titration, bead fusion, and XRF analysis. This early role strengthened her technical foundation and taught her the value of accuracy and precision in scientific analysis.

ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd – Environmental

In 2009, Sophia joined ALS Laboratories (UK) Ltd (previously Severn Trent Laboratories) as an Inorganic Analyst. Her work centred on ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis, total organic carbon measurement, and determination of anions in potable water. Adhering strictly to quality systems, she was also responsible for instrument validation. These experiences reinforced her understanding of laboratory compliance and environmental testing.

Transition to Recruitment

Apex Systems – Lab Support

In 2010, Sophia made the transition from laboratory science to recruitment, joining Lab Support, a division of On Assignment. As a Senior Recruiter, she managed permanent and contract recruitment across Yorkshire, the East Midlands, and Cambridgeshire. Her placements ranged from laboratory technicians to senior managers within industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, environmental science, food, and chemicals.

Her responsibilities included:

  • Building and maintaining client relationships.

  • Sourcing candidates and guiding them through the hiring process.

  • Negotiating offers, contracts, and salaries.

  • Providing aftercare to ensure long-term placement success.

During this period, Sophia also delivered presentations at universities, attended recruitment fairs, and mentored new recruiters. She gained recognition for completing the Social Talent Black Belt in Internet Recruitment in 2015, which included modules on personal branding, Boolean search, social sourcing, and employer branding.

Leadership in Recruitment

Consult – Business Manager, Scientific

In 2015, Sophia joined Consult Search & Selection, a recruitment firm specialising in healthcare, life sciences, and scientific industries. Over nearly a decade, she rose through the ranks to become Business Manager – Scientific, leading a team and driving recruitment projects across the UK and internationally.

Her role focused on:

  • Helping clients with ambitious growth plans by sourcing multiple hires.

  • Delivering urgent recruitment solutions for project deadlines.

  • Providing consultative advice and market insights.

  • Partnering with healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences organisations to address both temporary and permanent staffing needs.

Sophia’s scientific background set her apart. With a Master’s degree and laboratory experience, she could engage directly with scientists and hiring managers in technical discussions, ensuring the right match between candidates and organisations. Her leadership style was collaborative and consultative, with a strong emphasis on building relationships rather than transactional recruitment.

Current Role: Connected Search Group Ltd

In May 2025, Sophia began a new chapter in her career, joining Connected Search Group Ltd as Business Manager – Scientific and Engineering. This role has expanded her reach beyond scientific sectors into engineering and manufacturing, both in the UK and internationally.

Her expertise makes her a go-to partner for organisations facing challenges such as:

  • Filling multiple roles during rapid growth.

  • Finding highly skilled scientists or engineers to meet project deadlines.

  • Replacing key staff members and avoiding disruption.

  • Navigating competitive markets with insights into salary benchmarks and candidate availability.

Sophia’s reputation is built on trust, reliability, and results. Clients often switch from other recruitment partners to work with her, frequently retaining her as their preferred recruiter of choice.

What Makes Sophia Different?

Scientific Insight

Unlike many recruiters, Sophia possesses hands-on experience in laboratories combined with an advanced scientific education. This allows her to understand client needs at a technical level and to communicate effectively with candidates in specialised fields.

Market Knowledge

Her long career in recruitment has given her unparalleled knowledge of the market, competitors, and candidate networks. She provides more than staffing solutions—she delivers intelligence that helps companies refine their recruitment strategies.

Consultative Approach

Sophia does not view recruitment as a one-time transaction. Instead, she works as a partner, aligning her solutions with the unique needs of each business. Her consultative style ensures clients receive long-lasting benefits and candidates feel genuinely supported.

Legacy and Future

From her beginnings as an analytical chemist to her current position as a recruitment leader, Sophia Kingan exemplifies adaptability and growth. Her career proves that scientific training provides transferable skills—problem solving, analytical thinking, and attention to detail—that are invaluable in leadership and recruitment.

At Connected Search Group Ltd, she continues to influence industries by connecting talent with opportunity, fostering growth for both individuals and organisations. Whether supporting pharmaceutical innovation, driving med-tech development, or enabling engineering projects, Sophia’s work has a direct impact on scientific progress and business success.

Personal Life & Family

Beyond her professional achievements, Sophia Kingan values family life and often shares small glimpses of her personal world. Married and based in Sheffield, England, she is the proud mother of a young daughter. Her posts reveal the joy she takes in parenthood—whether celebrating her child’s imagination on World Book Day or recounting family travels that remind her of the importance of balance between work and home.

She has openly shared moments such as her daughter dressing up as Ghost Spider at nursery, reflecting her belief that heroes—whether fictional or real—can help shape values and inspire growth. In another post, she affectionately mentioned “three happy Kingans,” highlighting the strength of her family unit.

This balance of career and family underscores Sophia’s ability to lead with empathy, resilience, and authenticity. It is clear that the same commitment she applies to supporting her clients and team extends naturally to her role as a parent and partner.

Conclusion

The story of Sophia (Toumazou) Kingan is a powerful example of how science and recruitment can intersect to create meaningful outcomes. With her strong academic background, professional experience in laboratories, and proven leadership in recruitment, she has become a respected figure in scientific and engineering talent acquisition.

Her career is marked by a dedication to excellence, a consultative philosophy, and a passion for connecting people with opportunities. Today, she stands as one of the most influential recruiters in her field, shaping the future of science and engineering industries from her base in Sheffield, England.

NewsDip.co.uk

Related Articles

Back to top button