Lead Scientist

Lonza; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile culture

Competitive pay

Benefits depending on role

Job summary

Lonza's Protein and Process Analytics team in Slough is seeking a Lead Scientist—Protein and Process Analytics, part-time (22.5 hours per week). You will lead analytical method development, perform protein characterization and provide technical leadership in cross-functional projects.

Based primarily on site, you will plan experiments, develop and troubleshoot methods (HPLC, LC-MS, electrophoresis) and interpret complex data to deliver robust results. Excellent English communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life sciences; PhD desirable.
• Substantial practical experience in protein analysis.
• Strong expertise with chromatography, electrophoresis and MS.
• Experience communicating scientific results in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute analytical projects, including lab experiments, method development and scientific writing.
• Provide analytical leadership within cross-functional projects and coordinate study progress.
• Interpret complex data, troubleshoot analytical challenges and communicate findings.
• Evaluate and support implementation of new analytical technologies and software.

Skills

Protein analysis

Analytical method development

Team leadership

English communication

Education

Master’s degree in Life Sciences

PhD desirable

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

LC-MS / LC-MS/MS

Capillary electrophoresis

Spectroscopy

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.
• 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.

• Take ownership, step forward, and enjoy meaningful responsibility
• Love solving problems and thrive in a complex, fast‑moving environment
• Are curious, always looking to learn and improve
• Work collaboratively, contributing to something bigger than yourself
• Are motivated to make a difference through work that impacts customers and their patients

Why Lonza:

We are a place of unique opportunity, where your ideas, expertise and ambition can make a real difference. Here, will have the freedom to grow, the support to succeed and the chance to contribute to work that matters.

We are the makers of the medicines of tomorrow.