Associate Scientist

UCB S.A.; Slough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biopharmaceutical company is seeking an Associate Scientist - Microbial Expression Sciences in Slough, UK. The role involves developing and optimizing microbial processes, collaborating with a dynamic team, and gaining expertise in fermentation techniques. Candidates should have a BSc/BEng in a related field and experience with lab-scale microbial processes. Join us to make your mark for patients!

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BSc/BEng in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in operating lab and pilot-scale microbial processes.
• Understanding of E. coli physiology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbial process optimisation and development experiments.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve objectives.
• Document work including experiments and protocols.

Skills

Microbial process optimisation

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn new techniques

Education

BSc/BEng in Biology, Biotechnology, or related

Tools

Bioreactor/fermenter systems

Job description

Overview

Make your mark for patients. We are looking for an Associate Scientist - Microbial Expression Sciences (MES) who is proactive, enthusiastic, and talented to join our Microbial Expression Sciences team, based at our UCB Research & Development campus in Slough, United Kingdom.

About the Role: You will play a key role in developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting microbial processes at lab and pilot scales, ensuring scalability and quality.

Who You'll Work With: You'll collaborate with a dynamic and high-performing team and work cross-functionally with colleagues across departments to support the development of innovative recombinant protein processes and plasmid production.

Responsibilities

• You will perform microbial process optimisation and development experiments from 250 mL to 200 L scale.
• You will work both independently and collaboratively to achieve team objectives.
• You will document your work, including designing experiments, writing protocols, and updating procedures.
• You will analyze experimental data and present results to your manager, team, and internal stakeholders.
• You will promote and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
• You will learn and develop technical expertise in microbial fermentation and primary isolation, while also gaining new technical and soft skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BSc/BEng (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience operating lab and pilot-scale microbial processes, including various bioreactor/ fermenter systems and relevant control software (preferred).
• Laboratory experience, ideally with E. coli.
• Understanding of E. coli physiology (preferred).
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Enthusiastic about learning new techniques and contributing to team objectives.
• Willingness and ability to travel if required (preferred but not required).

About us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.