Antibody Analytics Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, R&D UK Center

Orion Corporation; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering pharmaceutical company in Cambridge is seeking an Antibody Analytics Research Associate/Senior Research Associate. This role will focus on executing analytical characterization assays for biologics and supporting the R&D pipeline. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and hands-on experience with protein characterization techniques, alongside strong teamwork and communication skills. The company offers a dynamic working environment and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Innovative R&D pipeline

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 2+ years relevant laboratory experience in industry or 4+ years in academic research.
• Experience with protein characterization techniques.
• Strong understanding of protein structure-function relationships.

Responsibilities

• Execute analytical characterization assays for antibodies.
• Support optimization of analytical workflows.
• Maintain accurate experimental records.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Teamwork

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

DLS

UV spectrophotometry

Job description

Job Description

The Antibody Purification and Analytics group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Center whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development and launch.

Orion Pharma is establishing a new Biologics Research & Development Center in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Center represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Center's mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.

The Biologics R&D Center will complement Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion's expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).

Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company's bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.

We are seeking a highly motivated Antibody Analytics Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to establish and support Orion Pharma's characterization platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for functional testing, and eventually clinical development.

Your responsibilities include the following:

• Execute analytical characterization assays to assess the quality, stability, and developability of antibodies and complex biologics, using techniques such as DLS, DSC, DSF, analytical HPLC (SEC-MALS, HIC, etc), CE-SDS, polyreactivity, AC-SINS, subvisible particle analysis, affinity measurements, immunogenicity and other relevant assays.
• Support the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of analytical workflows, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and method execution.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records by documenting assay conditions and observations in lab notebooks, and ensure SOPs are regularly updated and current.
• Assist with forced degradation studies and other stability profiling experiments to support early-stage developability assessments.
• Track and analyse experimental data, helping to identify trends and support decision-making within the Antibody Analytics team.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including calibration of instruments, inventory management, and ensuring proper operation of analytical equipment.
• Collaborate closely with upstream expression, purification, antibody discovery and engineering, and functional biology teams to ensure timely and high-quality data delivery.
• Participate in team meetings and discussions, sharing experimental results and contributing ideas to improve workflows and problem-solving.
• Comply with all safety and quality standards, following internal SOPs and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.

This position will report to the Head of Antibody Purification and Analytics within Orion Pharma's iMeds/R&D organization.

Description of our organization

Orion Pharma's Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.

We offer

The opportunity to enhance the analytical capabilities within the Antibody Purification and Analytics group at our new location in Cambridge, UK; this will be a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic Antibody Analytics RA/SRA to drive and help further establish a core technology while we build a state-of-the-art antibody discovery powerhouse with the full support of Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.

The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.

An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

Our expectations:

A BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in industry (2+ years) or from academic research (4+ years).

• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques relevant to protein characterization, such as DLS, DSC, DSF, HPLC (SEC, HIC), CE-SDS, UV spectrophotometry, or subvisible particle analysis.
• Exposure to more advanced methods such as SEC-MALS, LC-MS, polyreactivity, AC-SINS, or immunogenicity assays is a plus.
• Familiarity with complex biologics such as bispecific or multispecific antibodies, ADCs, or other novel modalities is advantageous.
• Understanding of basic protein structure-function relationships and how they influence analytical strategy and molecule developability is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain detailed laboratory records, and contribute to data reporting and interpretation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of lab safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.

How to apply and additional information

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your cover letter and CV by August 22, 2025.

We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.

#LI-ORION

Unit description

Orion Pharma's Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company - a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We're home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we're proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

About Orion