Cell Line Development Scientist (Biologics R&D)

Orion Corporation; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Pharma is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Cell Line Development team in Cambridge, UK. You will support generation and characterisation of stable mammalian cell lines for biologics production, including antibodies, and collaborate across CLD, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

This early-career role offers hands-on lab work, training in automated/high-throughput platforms, and exposure to industrial biologics R&D.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related life‑science discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and routine cell maintenance.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ideally, 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience; biotech/pharma industry experience welcome.
• Experience with CHO cells, transfection or stable cell line generation would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including cell expansion, transfection, passaging and cryopreservation.
• Support the generation, screening and selection of stable CHO cell lines for biologics production.
• Assist with clone expansion and the generation and characterisation of Research Cell Banks (RCBs).
• Support high-throughput clone screening using Beacon platform.
• Prepare samples and coordinate handovers to analytical and process development colleagues.
• Perform basic molecular biology activities to support cell line and construct characterisation as required.
• Accurately document experimental activities, results and observations, and assist with data analysis and presentation.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment, materials and consumables, following Orion's laboratory, quality and data integrity procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Cell Line Development, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Aseptic technique

1-2 years lab experience

Education

BSc or MSc in Biotechnology/Life Sciences

Tools

Beacon platform

Job description

Orion Pharma is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Cell Line Development team in Cambridge, UK. You will support generation and characterisation of stable mammalian cell lines for biologics production, including antibodies, and collaborate across CLD, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

This early-career role offers hands-on lab work, training in automated/high-throughput platforms, and exposure to industrial biologics R&D.