Chief Technologist — Bioprocessing

CPI; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bioprocessing organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Technologist in Bioprocessing to provide strategic and technical leadership. You will guide the development from microbial to RNA-based platforms, ensuring compliance and overseeing innovative processes. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in bioprocess development, combined with the ability to mentor and build strong teams. This role offers a competitive benefits package, including up to 36 days of holiday and flexible working options.

Benefits

Up to 36 days holiday

Generous pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant industrial experience in bioprocess development and scale-up.
• Proven ability to guide GMP translation and process control.
• Broad understanding of integrated bioprocessing.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across bioprocess design, optimisation, and scale-up.
• Drive innovation across microbial, mammalian, and RNA-based systems.
• Represent CPI as a national technical authority.

Skills

Scientific rigour

Strategic vision

Collaborative leadership

Education

Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline

Job description

About CPI

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team 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 a better place.

Why this role is important for CPI’s work

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 website.

• 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.

What does CPI offer you?

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, including: up to 36 days holiday (including bank holidays and a holiday purchasing scheme), a generous pension scheme, life assurance and accident insurance schemes, flexible working, learning and development opportunities, and free parking.

Additional Information

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.