Cell Line Development Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharma company is hiring a Cell Line Development Scientist in Oxford to drive innovative CHO cell line projects that support early-stage biologics manufacturing. The role includes engineering and optimizing cell lines using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus

Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme

Comprehensive benefits package

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in CHO cell line development.
• Strong expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 and transfection methods.
• Familiarity with regulatory-compliant stability testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize CHO cell lines for biologic production.
• Design gene editing strategies using CRISPR/Cas9.
• Conduct transfections and analyze experimental data.

Skills

CHO cultivation

Gene editing

Bioreactor operation

Data analysis

Communication

Organization

Education

PhD in Cell Biology

MSc in Biotechnology

MSc in Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Electronic lab notebooks

Biopharma software tools

Job description

Job Description

We’re hiring a skilled Cell Line Development Scientist to join a fast-paced biopharma team in Oxford. This full-time, permanent role offers the chance to lead CHO cell line projects supporting early-stage biologics manufacturing. You’ll play a key part in engineering and optimizing cell lines using cutting-edge techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 and miniature bioreactors (ambr15), contributing from design through to early clinical production.

About the Role

As a Scientist in the Cell Line Development group, you’ll drive projects focused on CHO cell engineering, stability assessment, and clone selection. You’ll collaborate with analytical and process development teams, manage key experiments, and help shape the future of biotherapeutic production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize CHO cell lines for biologic production.
• Design gene editing strategies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) to enhance cell performance.
• Conduct transfections, single cell cloning, and clone screening.
• Run stability studies and guide Cell Bank processes.
• Operate miniature (ambr15) and small-scale bioreactors for process evaluation.
• Accurately analyze and report experimental data.
• Collaborate across functions to meet project goals.
• Ensure biosafety and quality compliance.

About You

• PhD or MSc in Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in CHO cell line development (biopharma or CDMO).
• Strong skills in CHO cultivation, gene editing, and bioreactor operation.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9, transfection, and clone selection workflows.
• Familiarity with regulatory-compliant stability testing and Cell Bank processes.
• Proficiency in data analysis, electronic lab notebooks, and biopharma software tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; leadership experience is a plus.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary with bonus
• Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Ongoing training and development

Based in Oxford

Ready to Apply?

If you bring the experience and enthusiasm to make an impact in this role, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of a growing and innovative team shaping the future of biotherapeutics.