Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences

VRS Recruitment; Slough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join its Drug Substance Process Sciences team. The role focuses on upstream process development, optimisation and characterisation, with exposure to mammalian cell culture, high-throughput platforms and bioreactor systems from microscale to pilot scale.

Key responsibilities include designing and executing upstream studies, DoE/QbD application, supporting scale-up, tech transfer and data reporting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with mammalian/CHO cell culture and biologics process development.
• Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis.
• Exposure to GMP and data integrity in a lab setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute upstream process development studies.
• Develop and optimise mammalian/CHO cell culture processes.
• Operate shake flasks, Ambr systems, and lab bioreactors.
• Apply DoE and QbD approaches for optimisation and characterisation.
• Support scale-up, tech transfer and manufacturing activities.
• Analyse experimental data and communicate findings via reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, and manufacturing teams.
• Maintain GMP, data integrity, HSE and lab compliance.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Bioprocess development

DoE

QbD

Data analysis

GMP compliance

Bioreactor operation

Perfusion/ATF

Education

BSc in Biotechnology

MSc in Bioprocess

Tools

Ambr systems

Laboratory-scale bioreactors

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

• 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
• 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