Senior Scientist, Downstream, Late-Stage Process Development

AGC Biologics A/S; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

AGC Biologics is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead downstream development activities for mammalian cell culture processes within a fast-paced process development team in Søborg, Denmark. You will collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams to design studies, guide execution, and ensure data quality for decision making.

The role emphasizes scientific leadership, study design, data interpretation and technical writing, with hands-on work led by technicians and close collaboration across

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in biochemistry, biochemical/chemical engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years industry experience with Master’s, or 2+ years with PhD.
• Experience in downstream development of mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with chromatography and filtration, ÄKTA and UF/DF.
• Strong data analysis and report writing skills.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate downstream development activities for projects.
• Plan and evaluate downstream processes (chromatography, filtration).
• Design studies and author practical protocols with technicians.
• Apply statistics and DoE where relevant, interpret data.
• Support investigations, deviations, and regulatory submissions input.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

DoE & statistics

Project management

Scientific writing

Client collaboration

Communication

English language

Education

Master’s or PhD in Biochemistry/ Biochemical/ Chemical Engineering/ Process Technology

Tools

ÄKTA systems

TFF systems

Job description

Join a fast-paced process development team where scientific expertise, collaboration and practical problem-solving help advance projects. As Senior Scientist, you will lead downstream development activities for mammalian cell culture processes, supporting their progression through late-stage development. You will work closely with clients, laboratory technicians and colleagues across upstream, downstream and analytical disciplines. The role combines scientific leadership, study design, data interpretation and technical writing. Most hands-on laboratory work will be performed by technicians; you will work closely with them to develop protocols, design experiments and guide execution, ensuring studies are scientifically sound and generate decision-quality data.

Key responsibilities

Lead and coordinate downstream development activities for assigned projects, working with clients and cross-functional teams to align on project needs and deliver outcomes. Plan and evaluate downstream processes, including chromatography using ÄKTA systems and filtration operations such as depth filtration, virus filtration and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF). Design studies and author practical protocols in close collaboration with laboratory technicians; provide scientific guidance during experimental execution. Interpret study results, apply appropriate statistical approaches—including design of experiments (DoE) where relevant—and communicate findings through clear presentations and reports. Contribute to process characterization, including failure mode and risk assessments such as FMEA, and author process characterization (PC) work reports. Support investigations and deviation handling by assessing technical causes, interpreting relevant data, and documenting conclusions and follow-up actions. Provide scientific and technical input to business activities and support the generation of information for regulatory submissions.

Required qualifications and experience

• Education: Master’s or PhD in Biochemistry, Biochemical or Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, or a related discipline.
• Industrial experience: 5+ years with a Master’s degree, or 2+ years with a PhD.
• Downstream development: Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture processes.
• Unit operations: Chromatography and filtration; ideally ÄKTA systems and TFF systems.
• Study execution and data: Ability to plan, analyze and report complex development studies, including statistical analysis.
• Project work: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with scientific rigour and attention to detail.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to explain technical findings clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Language: Fluent written and spoken English.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Process Characterization and FMEA
• Viral clearance studies or activities.
• Commercial manufacturing requirements and biologics regulatory frameworks, including relevant ICH guidelines and BLA submission requirements.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE), including experimental design, data analysis, and evaluation using SAS JMP.
• Liquid-handling automation, such as Tecan systems.

What will help you succeed

You take ownership, bring a practical can-do attitude and are comfortable working at pace. You collaborate closely with technicians and colleagues, communicate openly, and use data and sound scientific judgement to find a way forward as project needs and priorities evolve.

What you can expect from us

• Scientific ownership: Take responsibility for development activities and influence how studies are designed and executed.
• Variety: Work across different projects, technologies and scientific challenges rather than doing the same thing every day.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with scientists, technicians, upstream and analytical colleagues as well as clients.
• Client exposure: Develop your ability to communicate scientific findings and recommendations directly with clients and contribute to project discussions.
• Professional development: Continue developing your expertise in downstream processing, process characterization, data analysis and late-stage development.
• Impact: See how your scientific work contributes to advancing biopharmaceutical processes towards later-stage development and manufacturing.

A team where science and collaboration go hand in hand

You will become part of a team where scientific knowledge, practical experience and collaboration are important to how we work. We value people who share knowledge, ask questions and are willing to challenge and support each other. You will work closely with experienced colleagues across different disciplines, giving you the opportunity to learn from others while also bringing your own expertise to the team. We believe that good science is strengthened by open communication, different perspectives and a willingness to find solutions together.

Location: We can only consider candidates currently based in Denmark or the Greater Malmö area, as relocation support is not available for this position.

At AGC Biologics, we are committed to a fair and unbiased recruitment process. We assess candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and potential to succeed in the role. To support an objective recruitment process, please do not include a photo in your application or CV.

Who We Are

AGC Biologics is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization with a strong presence in Denmark. From our Søborg site, we develop and manufacture life-changing advanced biologics for some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies. Together with our team members across Europe, the U.S., and Japan, we deliver development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells therapies. Across our global network, we are united by one mission: To work side by side with our customers in order to improve patients’ lives by bringing new biopharmaceuticals to market. AGC Biologics is Your Friendly CDMO Expert – dedicated partners with the expertise and commitment to support our customers and teams. We work with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture their life-changing drug products. If you’re motivated by meaningful impact and ready to join our journey, we invite you to explore our current opportunities!