Lead Scientist Cell & Molecular Scientist

Lonza, Inc.; Saffron Walden; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Lonza in Cambridge, UK is seeking a senior scientist to lead mammalian expression projects. You will perform hands-on lab work and drive project delivery, with emphasis on CHO-based expression systems and newer host development.

The role requires a PhD with strong experience in CHO engineering, molecular biology, and data interpretation. You will mentor colleagues and collaborate across disciplines to enable GMP-ready technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Strong practical expertise in CHO cell line engineering and mammalian expression system development
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology and expression systems development
• Experience leading scientific projects and mentoring colleagues
• Collaborative, proactive communicator with cross-disciplinary teamwork
• Experience in experimental design and statistics to turn data into conclusions

Responsibilities

• Lead key mammalian cell expression projects with ~80% hands-on lab work
• Develop and contribute to next-generation CHO-based expression hosts
• Engineer mammalian cell lines using random and targeted integration and CRISPR
• Develop expression vectors using state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques
• Characterise engineered cell lines using NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry
• Analyse data, sign off results, and communicate findings in reports
• Mentor junior scientists and support knowledge sharing and project delivery
• Drive technology development and transfer towards GMP manufacturing
• Build expertise through internal stakeholder engagement and proof-of-concept projects

Education

PhD or equivalent advanced scientific qualification

Job description

What you will do:

Lead key mammalian cell expression projects, spending approximately 80% of your time performing hands-on laboratory work and driving delivery of project goals. Develop and contribute to next-generation CHO-based expression hosts for the production of complex therapeutic proteins, including transferring new technologies towards GMP manufacturing. Engineer mammalian cell lines using approaches including random and targeted integration and CRISPR-based gene editing, and develop expression vectors using state-of-the-art molecular biology and assembly techniques. Characterise engineered cell lines using a range of analytical approaches, including NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry and advanced cell culture techniques. Analyse, evaluate and sign off experimental data, maintaining high-quality, traceable records and communicating findings through clear written and oral reports. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior scientists, supporting knowledge sharing, technical development and delivery of expression solutions. Build world-leading expertise in mammalian expression systems through technology development, idea generation, internal stakeholder engagement and ownership of proof-of-concept projects.

What we are looking for:

A PhD or equivalent advanced scientific qualification, combined with relevant R&D experience in an academic or industrial environment. Strong practical expertise in CHO cell line engineering and mammalian expression system development. Hands-on experience in molecular biology, including the development and manipulation of expression systems. Experience using cell line engineering and characterisation techniques, with the ability to design, execute and interpret complex experiments. Demonstrated experience leading scientific projects, mentoring colleagues and contributing to technology development and transfer towards GMP manufacturing. Strong collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to working across disciplines. Working knowledge of experimental design and statistics, with the ability to turn complex experimental data into clear, actionable conclusions.

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.

Summary

Location: UK - Cambridge Type: Full time