Lead Scientist - Potency, ELISA & Cell-Based Analytics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Agile culture

Inclusive workplace

Performance rewards

Global benefits

Job summary

Lonza in Slough is seeking a Lead Scientist to head potency ELISA and cell-based analytics within the Analytical Development team. You will lead complex projects, advance method development, and deliver robust, data-driven solutions on high-profile projects.

You will act as a technical expert in potency ELISA, cell-based assays, and Biacore/SPR, mentoring junior scientists and driving scientific excellence in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree or Master’s in Life Sciences or related field.
• Strong lab experience in analytical or bioanalytical development.
• Expertise in potency ELISA and cell-based assays; Biacore/SPR experience.
• Experience leading complex projects across teams/sites.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple complex analytical projects with high-quality outcomes.
• Lead implementation of new technology and customer-specific methods.
• Act as technical expert in potency ELISA and cell-based methods and/or SPR/Biacore.
• Design and execute experimental strategies translating customer needs into solutions.
• Analyse data to generate robust scientific insights and process understanding.
• Present data, troubleshoot issues, and shape project direction.
• Mentor and coach junior scientists, building team capability.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead investigations and ensure timely resolution of risks.

Skills

Potency ELISA

Cell-based assays

SPR/Biacore

Analytical development

Data interpretation

Mentoring

Project leadership

Education

Life Sciences degree (BSc/MSc)

Tools

Biacore/SPR

Job description

Job Title: Lead Scientist - Potency ELISA & Cell-Based Analytics

Location: Slough

The role:

We're looking for a scientifically curious and technically expert Lead Scientist to join our Analytical Development team. This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, leading from the bench, and working to deliver high-quality, data-driven solutions.

If you bring strong expertise in potency ELISA, cell-based assays, and/or SPR/Biacore, this is your opportunity to make a real impact in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance
• A variety of benefits dependant on role and location
• The full list of our global benefits can be also found on https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits

What you will do:

• Lead and deliver multiple complex analytical projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes right first time - this will include method development, establishment and (pre-) validation activities
• Lead the implementation of new technology and customer-specific methods
• Act as a technical expert in potency ELISA and cell-based methods and/or SPR/Biacore
• Design, plan and execute complex experimental strategies, translating customer needs into practical solutions
• Analyse and interpret data to generate robust scientific insights and process understanding
• Present data, troubleshoot issues, and shape project direction
• Mentor and coach junior scientists, building capability across the team
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement
• Lead investigations, identify risks early, and ensure timely, effective resolution

What we are looking for:

• Degree or Master's qualification in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong laboratory experience in analytical or bioanalytical development
• Proven expertise in potency ELISA and cell-based assays, including method development and troubleshooting and/or strong experience with Biacore/SPR techniques and data interpretation
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence outcomes across multiple teams and sites
• Confident communicator, able to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Passion for mentoring, collaboration, and driving scientific excellence

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.