Chief Technologist - Biologics

Centre for Process Innovation Limited; Redcar; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Technologist – Bioprocessing. This role involves providing technical leadership across bioprocess development from microbial systems to GMP-ready manufacturing. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in bioprocess development and an understanding of GMP translation. Key responsibilities include innovation in production systems and representation in technical forums. This position offers a competitive salary along with robust benefits, promoting a collaborative and advanced biomanufacturing environment.

Benefits

Up to 36 days holiday

Life assurance and accident insurance schemes

Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Significant industrial experience in bioprocess development and scale-up.
• Proven ability to guide GMP translation, process control, and technology transfer.
• Broad understanding of integrated bioprocessing, including upstream and downstream.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and engineering leadership across bioprocess design.
• Drive innovation across microbial, mammalian, and RNA-based production systems.
• Guide the translation of bioprocesses into GMP environments.
• Represent CPI as a national technical authority in forums.

Skills

Bioprocess development and scale-up

GMP translation

Collaborative leadership

Strategic vision

Scientific rigour

Education

Degree in Biochemical Engineering or Biotechnology

Job description

£65,000 - £81,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus £491 per month car allowance

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions areality. We’re ateam of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.

From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world abetter place.

Why this role is important for CPI’swork

We have an exciting opportunity for aChief Technologist – Bioprocessing to join our growing team, working across CPI ’s National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington and Biotechnology facilities in Wilton.

As CPI ’s recognised expert in bioprocess development and scale-up, you will provide strategic and technical leadership across the full bioprocessing continuum—from microbial and mammalian systems to enzymatic and RNA-based platforms.

You will play acentral role in shaping CPI ’s bioprocessing capabilities, translating innovative research into scalable, sustainable, and GMP-ready manufacturing solutions. Acting as a visible technical authority, you’ll guide project delivery, mentor colleagues, and strengthen CPI ’s reputation as a UK leader in advanced biomanufacturing.

Key tasks in the Chief Technologist role will include (but are not limited to the below), please download the job description for full details available on the CPI careers page :

• Provide scientific and engineering leadership across bioprocess design, optimisation, and scale-up, spanning upstream, downstream, and integrated process development.
• Drive innovation across microbial, mammalian, and RNA-based production systems, applying process intensification, PAT , and automation principles.
• Guide the translation of bioprocesses into GMP environments, ensuring compliance, robustness, and commercial readiness.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver end-to-end process solutions, bridging R & D, MSAT , and GMP manufacturing.
• Anticipate emerging bioprocess technologies and shape CPI ’s capability roadmap across the Biologics and Biotechnology Centres.
• Represent CPI as anational technical authority in industrial and academic forums, contributing to consortia, publications, and conferences.
• Mentor and coach scientists and engineers, building astrong internal capability base across bioprocessing disciplines.
• Provide expert input into bids, collaborations, and strategic programmes, ensuring CPI remains at the forefront of next-generation biomanufacturing.

The person we are seeking

You’ll be arecognised expert in biologics or biotechnology manufacturing, with the depth and breadth to guide development from discovery through to GMP implementation. You’ll combine scientific rigour, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership to accelerate innovation and capability growth.

Essential skills and experience:

• Degree (or higher) in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or arelated discipline.
• Significant industrial experience in bioprocess development and scale-up, ideally across microbial and mammalian systems.
• Proven ability to guide GMP translation, process control, and technology transfer.
• Broad understanding of integrated bioprocessing, including upstream, downstream, and analytical interfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programmes and influence across multi-disciplinary teams.

It would be great if you alsohad:

• Experience with enzymatic or cell-free RNA production, synthetic biology, or sustainable bioprocess platforms.
• Chartered or Fellow status within arelevant professional body (e.g., IChemE, ISPE , ESACT ).
• Evidence of national or international engagement in biologics and biotechnology innovation networks.

What does CPI offeryou?

At CPI , we offer awide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

• Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – Plus a holiday purchasing scheme
• Life assurance and accident insurance schemes

CPI is an organisation based in the UK . Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK , sponsorship may be available.