Associate Operator / Operator I

Autolus Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Pension

Life assurance

Job summary

Autolus Ltd is seeking to fill Associate Operator and Operator I roles in Stevenage. This hands-on manufacturing position involves working in GMP cleanrooms on a bi-weekly shift pattern with early and late shifts.

The role focuses on producing autologous cell therapies with rigorous adherence to procedures and documentation. Two levels are available: Associate Operator for entry-level candidates and Operator I for those with GMP/cleanroom experience.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.
• Good communication, organisation and teamwork.
• Willingness to learn and develop in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute production processes in accordance with GMP and approved procedures.
• Operate production and cell-processing equipment.
• Complete production documentation accurately and on time.
• Support cleanroom maintenance and environmental monitoring.
• Follow all safety, quality, GMP and training requirements.
• Identify and raise quality or safety concerns.
• Support continuous improvement activities.
• Progress may include cell culture activities such as sampling, counting, washing, activation, feeding and harvesting, and drug product visual inspection.

Skills

Attention to detail

Follow procedures

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to learn

Shift work

Education

BSc STEM or degree

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

Job Description

• Job Title: Associate Operator / Operator I
• Reports to: Manager
• Production Department: Production
• Production Hours: Shift based:
• Location: Stevenage

The role operates on a Sunday-to-Wednesday or Wednesday-to-Saturday shift pattern, with every alternate Wednesday scheduled as a non-working day. Employees rotate every two weeks between early shifts (06:00–17:00) and late shifts (12:00–23:00).

About Autolus

Autolus is a biopharmaceutical company, advancing innovative therapies at both clinical and commercial stages of development, focused on next‑generation, programmed T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Using a broad suite of proprietary and modular T cell programming technologies, the company is engineering precisely targeted, controlled, and highly active T cell therapies designed to better recognize cancer cells, break down their defence mechanisms, and eliminate these cells. Autolus has a pipeline of product candidates in development for the treatment of haematological malignancies, solid tumours, and autoimmune diseases.

Why Autolus

Our team is passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and autoimmune diseases to deliver life‑changing treatments to patients. Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse, and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork. In addition to this Autolus is proud to offer a competitive salary, performance related bonus as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

Our Promise Autolus is developing complex, breakthrough therapies for a globally diverse market and equally recognises that diversity amongst our people is critical to our mission. As we draw on our differences, what we’ve experienced, and how we work, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Role Summary

Please note, this is an evergreen talent pool for future opportunities within our Production team in Stevenage. By applying, you will be considered for upcoming Associate Operator and Operator I positions as our manufacturing teams continue to develop. This role sits within our Production team, where we share a mission to manufacture and deliver autologous cell therapy products to patients. This is a hands‑on manufacturing role, with approximately 85% of your time spent working within our GMP cleanroom environment. We are recruiting across two levels: Associate Operator – an entry‑level opportunity for people looking to build a career in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Previous GMP or cleanroom experience is not required. Operator I – for candidates with GMP manufacturing, cleanroom or relevant transferable experience who are ready to take on greater technical responsibility. Both roles are based on‑site in Stevenage and operate on a bi‑weekly shift rotation.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute production processes in accordance with GMP and approved procedures
• Operate production and cell‑processing equipment
• Complete production documentation accurately and on time
• Support cleanroom maintenance, environmental monitoring, cleaning and material transfers
• Follow all safety, quality, GMP and training requirements
• Identify and raise quality or safety concerns
• Support continuous improvement activities
• As you progress, you will also undertake cell culture activities including sampling, counting, washing, activation, feeding and harvesting, as well as labelling, reconciliation and drug product visual inspection

Working in our GMP Cleanrooms

• Changing into designated cleanroom clothing and protective garments
• Following strict handwashing and disinfection procedures
• Removing jewellery, watches, personal electronic devices, makeup, nail polish, false nails and false eyelashes before entering
• Wearing appropriate head and facial‑hair coverings
• Reporting relevant illness, skin conditions or open wounds that may affect cleanroom entry
• Following required cleanroom behaviours and procedures at all times
• Full cleanroom and gowning training is provided
• Individual requirements, including religious head coverings, are supported in line with our cleanroom controls

Demonstrated skills and competencies

• E – Essential P – Preferred Experience
• Associate Operator Previous GMP or cleanroom experience is not required
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures – E
• Good communication, organisation and teamwork – E
• Willingness to learn and develop in a regulated manufacturing environment – E
• Shift‑working or relevant manufacturing experience – P
• Operator I GMP manufacturing/cleanroom experience or relevant transferable skills – E
• Shift‑working experience – E
• Understanding of GxP production – E
• Sterile or ATMP manufacturing knowledge – P
• Ability to support junior colleague development – P
• Qualifications Appropriate literacy, numeracy and computer skills
• Further education qualification/degree in STEM and/or relevant hands‑on GMP manufacturing experience, depending on level

Qualifications

• Appropriate literacy, numeracy and computer skills
• Further education qualification/degree in STEM and/or relevant hands‑on GMP manufacturing experience, depending on level

Skills/Specialist knowledge

• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Good communication, organisation and teamwork
• Commitment to quality and safety
• Ability to make appropriate decisions within a regulated environment
• For Operator I, detailed understanding of GxP production and the ability to contribute to GMP documentation

Autolus Core Competencies

• Focus on Results: Works to meet business goals set by management and leaders
• Builds Trust and Relationships: Ensures trust with internal and external partners by delivering on commitments
• Resilience: Has the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
• Communicates and Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet objectives

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Our team is passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and autoimmune diseases to deliver life‑changing treatments to patients. Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse, and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork. In addition to this Autolus is proud to offer a competitive salary, performance related bonus as well as private medical insurance, life assurance, and pension.