Chief Technologist — Bioprocessing

Centre for Process Innovation; Redcar; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bioprocessing organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Technologist to lead bioprocess development at its National Biologics Manufacturing Centre. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Biochemical Engineering or Biotechnology, extensive experience in bioprocess scale-up, and a proven track record in GMP compliance. This role involves strategic leadership and collaboration across diverse teams to enhance biotechnological capabilities and drive innovative manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Significant industrial experience in bioprocess development and scale‑up.
• Proven ability to guide GMP translation and technology transfer.
• Broad understanding of integrated bioprocessing.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and engineering leadership across bioprocess design.
• Drive innovation across microbial, mammalian, and RNA‑based systems.
• Guide the translation of bioprocesses into GMP environments.

Skills

Bioprocess development

GMP compliance

Leadership

Process control

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Degree in Biochemical Engineering

Degree in Biotechnology

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief 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 a central 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 a national technical authority in industrial and academic forums, contributing to consortia, publications, and conferences.
• Mentor and coach scientists and engineers, building a strong 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 a recognised 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 a related 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 also had

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