Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences

NextLink Group; Slough; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

NextLink Group in Slough, United Kingdom, is seeking an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to strengthen our Upstream Process Sciences team. The role focuses on early-stage biologics process development, optimisation, and technology transfer using mammalian cell culture platforms.

You will contribute to process characterisation, DoE-based studies, and data-driven decision making, while working with a multidisciplinary team to deliver scalable bioprocess solutions for therapeutic proteins.

Qualifications

• MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or related field (or BSc with relevant industrial experience).
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologics process development.
• Experience operating Ambr and/or laboratory-scale bioreactor systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute upstream process development studies.
• Apply DoE and statistical approaches to process optimization and characterization.
• Perform mammalian cell culture experiments using shake flasks, Ambr, and lab-scale bioreactors.
• Support scale-up, tech transfer, and manufacturing support activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and maintain accurate lab records.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

DoE and statistics

Problem solving

Communication

Automation and data management

Education

MSc in Biotechnology or related field

BSc with industrial experience

Tools

Ambr systems

Laboratory-scale bioreactors

Job description

Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences

Slough, United Kingdom

Job Description

About the Role

To strengthen our Drug Substance Process Sciences team, we are seeking atalented and motivatedAssociate Scientist / Research Scientisttosupport upstream process development for biologics.

You will contribute to early-stage process development, processoptimisation, technology transfer, and manufacturing support activities.Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help develop scalablemammalian cell culture processes, perform process characterisation andtroubleshooting studies, and support the delivery of innovative proteintherapeutics.

This is a laboratory-based role offering exposure to advanced cellculture technologies, high-throughput platforms, and bioreactor systems rangingfrom microscale to pilot scale.

Your Activities

Process Development & Laboratory Operations

• Design, plan, and execute upstream processdevelopment studies with minimal supervision.
• Apply QbD and DoE approaches to processoptimisation and characterisation.
• Perform mammalian cell culture experiments usingshake flasks, Ambr systems, and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Support scale-up, scalability assessments, processtroubleshooting, and technology transfer activities.
• Utilise automation and high-throughput technologiesto improve workflow efficiency.
• Contribute to evaluation of emerging technologiesand platform improvements.

Data Analysis & Scientific Communication

• Analyse and interpret experimental data usingappropriate statistical approaches.
• Generate accurate, high-quality scientific data anddocumentation.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols,presentations, and project summaries.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to projectteams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, AnalyticalSciences, Downstream Development, Manufacturing and external partners.
• Represent Upstream Process Sciences incross-functional project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and electroniclaboratory notebooks.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, GMP/GSP, qualitysystems, and data integrity requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiativesand laboratory best practices.

Requirements

• MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering,Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering,or related discipline. or BSc with relevant industrial experience.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologicsprocess development.
• Hands-on experience with CHO cell culture and therapeutic protein production.
• Experience operating Ambr and/or laboratory-scalebioreactor systems.
• Knowledge of cell culture scale-up principles andprocess characterisation.
• Experience applying DoE and statistical dataanalysis tools.
• Strong scientific problem-solving andtroubleshooting skills.
• Experience with automation, digital tools, and datamanagement systems.
• Understanding of GMP, data integrity, and qualityrequirements.

Advantageous

• Perfusion or ATF process experience.
• Technology transfer and manufacturing supportexperience.
• Exposure to downstream processing and integratedprocess development.