Chief Technologist – Separation and Purification Processes

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

Job summary

A leading biotechnology firm in the UK is looking for a Chief Technologist to provide strategic and technical leadership in separation and purification processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in bioprocess development for advanced manufacturing. Responsibilities include guiding process innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and mentoring teams. Essential qualifications include a degree in Biochemical Engineering and significant experience in biotechnology. This role offers the chance to shape the future of biologics manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Degree (or higher) in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Significant industrial experience in the scale up of separation and purification processes.
• Proven ability to guide GMP translation, process control, and technology transfer.
• Broad understanding of integrated bioprocessing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programmes.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and engineering leadership to drive innovation.
• Guide the translation of processes into regulated environments.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver process solutions.
• Represent CPI in industrial and academic forums.
• Mentor and coach scientists and engineers.

Skills

Separation and purification processes

Biotechnology

Bioprocess development

Leadership

Process control

Education

Degree in Biochemical Engineering

Degree in Biotechnology

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Technologist – Separation and Purification Processes 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 the development of robust, scalable processes to recover and purify products from a range of biological and chemical processes, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to a broad range of projects, working across the full bioprocessing continuum—from microbial and mammalian systems to enzymatic and RNA-based platforms, whilst also working on the development of processes outside of the bioprocessing space in support of CPI’s broader sustainable materials capabilities.

You will play a central role in shaping CPI’s capabilities in separation and purification processes, translating innovative research into scalable, sustainable, and regulatorily compliant manufacturing solutions. Acting as a visible technical authority both inside and outside of CPI, you’ll guide project delivery, mentor colleagues, and strengthen CPI’s reputation as a UK leader in advanced manufacturing.

Key tasks in the role will include (but are not limited to the below)

• Provide scientific and engineering leadership to drive innovation across the design, optimisation, and scale-up of novel processes, working alongside colleagues in the upstream process development and engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.
• Guide the translation of processes into regulated environments, ensuring compliance, robustness, and commercial readiness.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver end-to-end process solutions, bridging R&D and manufacturing environments.
• Anticipate emerging process 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 manufacturing.

The person we are seeking

You’ll be a recognised expert in the development of separation and purification processes for advanced manufacturing, with a particular expertise in biotechnology and biologics manufacturing. You will possess the depth and breadth to guide development from discovery through to implementation in both regulated (GMP, Food & Feed) and unregulated industries. 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 the scale up of separation and purification processes, with specific 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.

Desirable:

• 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.