Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences

VRS-UK; Slough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A successful pharmaceutical company in the UK is seeking an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join the Drug Substance Process Sciences team, focusing on upstream process development, optimisation and characterisation for biologics.

You will work hands-on with mammalian/CHO cell culture, Ambr systems and lab-scale bioreactors, applying DoE and QbD to scale-up and tech transfer within GMP-compliant laboratory settings. This is a 12-month contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline
• Hands-on experience with mammalian/CHO cell culture and biologics process development
• Experience with Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactors
• Understanding of cell culture scale-up and process characterisation
• Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis
• Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Responsibilities

• Design and execute upstream process development studies.
• Develop and optimise mammalian/CHO cell culture processes.
• Operate shake flasks, Ambr® systems and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Apply DoE and QbD approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
• Support scale-up, troubleshooting, technology transfer and manufacturing activities.
• Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development and Manufacturing teams.
• Maintain high standards of GMP, data integrity, HSE and laboratory compliance.

Skills

Mammalian/CHO cell culture

Biologics process development

Ambr systems

Laboratory-scale bioreactors

DoE and QbD

GMP compliance

Education

BSc or MSc in Biotechnology or related

Tools

Ambr® systems

Bioreactor systems

Job description

A successful pharmaceutical company is looking for an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join its Drug Substance Process Sciences team and support the development of innovative biologics. This is a hands‑on laboratory role focused on upstream process development, optimisation and characterisation, with exposure to mammalian cell culture, high‑throughput platforms and bioreactor systems from microscale through to pilot scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute upstream process development studies.
• Develop and optimise mammalian/CHO cell culture processes.
• Operate shake flasks, Ambr® systems and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Apply DoE and QbD approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
• Support scale‑up, troubleshooting, technology transfer and manufacturing activities.
• Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development and Manufacturing teams.
• Maintain high standards of GMP, data integrity, HSE and laboratory compliance.

About You

Essential:

• BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian/CHO cell culture and biologics process development
• Experience with Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactors
• Understanding of cell culture scale‑up and process characterisation
• Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis
• Strong scientific problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills

Desirable:

• Perfusion or ATF experience
• Technology transfer or manufacturing support experience
• Exposure to downstream processing or integrated process development

This role is offered on an initial 12 month contract with realistic potential for extension.

Why Apply?

An excellent opportunity to develop your career within upstream bioprocess development, gaining hands‑on experience across cell culture, bioreactor systems, process optimisation, scale‑up and technology transfer within a successful pharmaceutical environment.

Keywords: Upstream Process Development | Bioprocessing | Mammalian Cell Culture | CHO | Bioreactors | Ambr | Process Characterisation | Scale‑Up | DoE | QbD | Perfusion | ATF | Biologics | Therapeutic Proteins | GMP | Pharmaceutical | Biopharmaceutical