Hands-On Upstream Process Scientist (Fermentation & Culture)

Elanco; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco in Liverpool is recruiting a Technical Associate – Upstream Process Development to support the development and commercialization of new products. The role is hands-on and lab-based, focusing on upstream processes, fermentation and cell culture within multidisciplinary project teams.

You will help define, optimize and scale robust manufacturing processes, produce technical reports, and ensure alignment with CMC and GxP requirements while advancing the lab's capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree or higher degree in a scientific discipline.
• Practical experience in upstream process development.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills and an interest in experimental process development.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on housekeeping and stock control.
• Technical precision regarding equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to plan, document and communicate technical work clearly and effectively.
• Strong commitment to quality, safety and GxP‑compliant ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and hands-on support for upstream process development activities within development laboratories and pilot plant environments.
• Supports execution of experiments for process definition, optimization, scale-up and commercialization.
• Perform essential daily tasks including equipment calibration, buffer and media preparation, sampling, and routine monitoring of cultures.
• Maintain a high standard of lab organization and housekeeping. Proactively manage stock levels of consumables and reagents to ensure no delays in development activities.
• Ensure development programs and experimental activities are aligned with CMC and GxP requirements.
• Collaborate with analytical teams to ensure appropriate testing methods are available to support development activities.
• Prepare high-quality, peer‑reviewed technical reports and ensure appropriate documentation and archiving of experimental work.
• Support technology, equipment and capital projects, including planning, commissioning, documentation and training activities.
• Coach and train colleagues within the development group, including placement students.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are capable and flexible to support development needs. Support equipment maintenance activities, acting as a point of liaison for service providers, facilities management, and external contractors. Work proactively with external companies, site, and network as appropriate. Drive continuous improvement through innovation, process optimization and knowledge sharing across the wider technical network.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are performed safely and in accordance with relevant risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Build effective collaborations with internal teams and external organizations to support project and business requirements.

Skills

Hands-on lab skills

Upstream process development

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Documentation & reporting

Equipment calibration & maintenance

Quality & GxP awareness

Education

Degree in scientific discipline

Job description

Elanco in Liverpool is recruiting a Technical Associate – Upstream Process Development to support the development and commercialization of new products. The role is hands-on and lab-based, focusing on upstream processes, fermentation and cell culture within multidisciplinary project teams.

You will help define, optimize and scale robust manufacturing processes, produce technical reports, and ensure alignment with CMC and GxP requirements while advancing the lab's capabilities.