Research Scientist

We are currently supporting a pharmaceutical company with an opportunity for an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join their Drug Substance Process Sciences team on a 12-month contract.

This is a laboratory-based role supporting upstream process development for biologics, with a focus on mammalian cell culture, process optimisation, scale-up and process characterisation. You’ll work within a multidisciplinary team and gain exposure to advanced cell culture technologies, high-throughput platforms and bioreactor systems ranging from microscale through to pilot scale.

Key experience:

• MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline, or BSc with relevant industrial experience
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologics process development
• Hands-on experience with CHO cell culture and therapeutic protein production
• Experience operating Ambr® systems and/or laboratory-scale bioreactors
• Knowledge of cell culture scale-up principles and process characterisation
• Experience applying DoE and statistical data analysis tools
• Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with automation, digital tools and data management systems would be advantageous
• Understanding of GMP/GSP, data integrity and quality requirements
• Strong planning, organisational, communication and technical writing skills

Desirable experience:

• Experience with perfusion or ATF processes, technology transfer, manufacturing support, downstream processing or integrated process development would be advantageous.

The role:

• You’ll design, plan and execute upstream process development studies, using QbD and DoE approaches to support process optimisation and characterisation.
• You’ll perform mammalian cell culture experiments using shake flasks, Ambr® systems and laboratory-scale bioreactors, supporting scale-up, scalability assessments, process troubleshooting and technology transfer activities.
• You’ll analyse and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, protocols, presentations and project summaries, and communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.
• The role will involve collaboration with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development, Manufacturing and external partners, as well as contributing to continuous improvement, laboratory best practices and the evaluation of emerging technologies.