Biopharma Characterisation Scientist - HPLC/MS

IMMUNOCORE LTD; South Leigh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Immunocore is seeking a Senior Scientist I - Characterisation to advance analytical characterisation of biopharmaceuticals. You will develop and apply HPLC-based peptide mapping, LC-MS/MS and glycosylation analysis to recombinant proteins and antibodies, coordinate extensive testing, and contribute to method development for ImmTAX products.

The role requires bench work, data interpretation, and collaboration across teams to deliver robust analytical results in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in development of HPLC based peptide mapping methods and mass spectrometric characterisation of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Experience of glycosylation analysis of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Independently coordinated extensive testing of protein biomolecules.
• Experienced in the characterisation of proteins expressed in both microbial and mammalian systems.
• Understanding of expected post-translational modifications in biological systems.
• Worked in a bench-based biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• Established as an expert amongst peers in electrophoretic, chromatographic or mass spectrometry.
• Experienced in assay development.
• Familiar with biopharmaceutical stability study principles and interpretation thereof.
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment.
• Proposed and driven changes in working practices that have improved efficiency.
• Presented detailed scientific findings and papers to internal and external audiences.
• Experience of glycosylation analysis of recombinant proteins or antibodies (Desirable).
• Familiar with GMP principles (Desirable).
• Presented at external conferences (Desirable).
• Led a small project team through a change in practice (Desirable).
• Understanding of analytical requirements to support materials for use in clinical trials (Desirable).

Responsibilities

• Supporting drug substance and drug product impurity characterisation and identification.
• Performing protein sequence and post translational modification identification, including glycosylation analysis.
• Supporting drug substance and drug product process development by performing characterisation of process intermediates.
• Contribute to the Development of characterisation methods of ImmTAX and other products, including peptide mapping (LC-MS/MS) and intact mass analysis.
• Designing and carrying out biochemical characterisation, chemical stability and comparability studies of biologics/drug products.
• Contribute to writing study protocols and reports.
• Independently testing and, increasingly, leading lines of investigation.
• Priorities: establishing priorities for own work and team-based projects; making decisions on prioritisation based on the overall goals of the team, department and project, using direct evidence and personal experience as guidance.
• Technical Knowledge: sharing knowledge with the wider team and, across departments representing the department.
• Laboratory records: ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard.
• Laboratory equipment: providing technical guidance to others within the team on how to use equipment most effectively.
• Reporting: communicating and presenting research findings at meetings with colleagues, senior management and partners.
• Adhere to safe working practices in laboratories according to Immunocore EHS policies.

Skills

Peptide mapping (HPLC)

Mass spectrometry

Glycosylation analysis

Protein characterisation

PTM knowledge

Bench biopharma lab

Analytical expertise

Education

BSc or MSc in biochemistry/biotechnology or related

PhD in related discipline

Tools

LC-MS/MS

HPLC

Job description

Immunocore is seeking a Senior Scientist I - Characterisation to advance analytical characterisation of biopharmaceuticals. You will develop and apply HPLC-based peptide mapping, LC-MS/MS and glycosylation analysis to recombinant proteins and antibodies, coordinate extensive testing, and contribute to method development for ImmTAX products.

The role requires bench work, data interpretation, and collaboration across teams to deliver robust analytical results in a fast-paced biotech environment.