Lead Scientist

Lonza; Slough; On-site; Confidential; Part time

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a Lead Scientist for Protein and Process Analytics in Slough. This part-time role focuses on hands-on laboratory work and leadership of analytical projects to support the development of biotherapeutic medicines.

You will plan experiments, perform protein analysis using HPLC/UPLC, CE, and MS, and collaborate across teams to deliver reliable data and scientific insights. Strong communication in English is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a life sciences field required or equivalent.
• Significant hands-on experience with protein analysis and characterization.
• Experience with chromatographic and MS-based methods, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute analytical activities for projects, including method development.
• Characterize biotherapeutic proteins using HPLC/UPLC, CE, MS techniques.
• Develop and troubleshoot analytic methods to meet project needs.
• Interpret data, draft technical reports, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Provide analytical leadership in cross-functional projects and coordinate studies.
• Evaluate new analytical technologies and support implementation across teams.

Skills

Protein analysis

Data interpretation

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in life sciences

PhD desirable

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

Capillary electrophoresis

Mass spectrometry

LC-MS

Job description

Lead Scientist – Protein and Process Analytics

Part - Time 22.5 Hours a week

Location: Slough, United Kingdom

Join Lonza’s Protein and Process Analytics team in Slough and help advance the analytical technologies used to characterize biotherapeutic proteins. In this role, you will combine scientific expertise, analytical method development and technical leadership to deliver innovative solutions that support the development of life-changing medicines.

This is a primarily site-based role, where close collaboration and hands‑on laboratory work support scientific excellence and high‑quality results.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture, with opportunities to develop your scientific expertise and technical leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative analytical technologies and solutions that support the development of biotherapeutic medicines.
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace where scientific knowledge, new ideas and different perspectives are valued.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.

What you will do:

• Plan and execute scientific activities for analytical projects, including laboratory experiments, method development and optimization, technical evaluations, and scientific writing and review.
• Perform analytical characterization of biotherapeutic proteins using techniques such as high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra‑high‑performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), capillary electrophoresis, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot analytical methods to assess protein quality attributes and meet project requirements.
• Interpret complex analytical data, draw scientific conclusions and communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders through technical reports and presentations.
• Provide analytical leadership within cross‑functional projects, coordinating study progress, reporting results, identifying risks and escalating technical issues where appropriate.
• Evaluate and support the implementation of innovative analytical technologies, instrumentation and software to improve analytical efficiency, capability and throughput across Lonza’s network.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across Protein and Process Analytics, Protein Chemistry and other scientific teams to deliver high‑value technical solutions and advance analytical capabilities.

What we are looking for:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as biochemistry, biology, biotechnology or biomanufacturing; a PhD in a related field is desirable.
• Substantial practical experience in protein analysis and characterization within an academic or industrial laboratory environment.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in analytical separation and characterization techniques, including chromatography, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
• Experience with relevant analytical methods such as ion‑exchange chromatography (IEX), size‑exclusion chromatography (SEC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), reversed‑phase chromatography (RP), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), LC‑MS and LC‑MS/MS.
• A sound understanding of analytical approaches used to characterize biotherapeutic proteins, including their applications, strengths and limitations.
• The ability to interpret complex scientific data, troubleshoot analytical challenges and develop innovative, fit‑for‑purpose solutions.
• Strong communication, collaboration and organizational skills, with the ability to lead analytical activities, manage study progress and communicate scientific conclusions effectively in English.

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.