Lead Scientist - Purification Development and Viral Clearance

Lonza; Slough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lonza is seeking a Lead Scientist to join our dynamic laboratory team in Slough. This role involves designing and executing complex experiments related to therapeutic protein development. Candidates should have a BSc/PhD in Biotechnology, hands-on experience with chromatography, and excellent interpersonal skills. Join us to make a meaningful difference in life sciences.

Benefits

Career ownership and development

Positive impact on global health

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings and biotechnological processes required.
• Knowledge of GLP / GMP is a plus.
• Strong communication and mentorship skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design experiments for therapeutic protein processes.
• Execute high throughput chromatography methods.
• Mentor junior colleagues and manage complex projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Planning

Organizational skills

Education

BSc / PhD in Biotechnology

Tools

Unicorn software

Tecan Evo

Tecan Fluent

AKTA chromatography

Microsoft Office

Job description

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

The Lead Scientist is a key member of the laboratory team who works on multiple complex projects to resolve challenging technical issues and deliver high quality execution of experimental work follow rig all safety and quality procedures.

They are responsible for planning and executing complex experiments and supporting more junior colleagues to plan and execute their projects

Key responsibilities:

· Plan and design own experiments for development of downstream processes for therapeutic proteins

· Design and execution of high throughput chromatography methods

· Responsible for the execution and delivery of own projects with particular attention to safety, quality, on time and right first time

· Escalate technical issues in a timely fashion

· Ensure that experimental details, raw data and results are recorded as appropriately

· Collate, analyse and evaluate data to produce good quality process information

· Operate as part of a cross-functional project team

· Prepare and deliver presentations, protocols and reports

· Contribute to the efficient running of the laboratories

Key requirements:

· BSc / PhD in Biotechnology or in a relevant scientific discipline and appropriate laboratory experience

· Tecan Evo and / or Tecan Fluent programming experience

· Hands on knowledge of protein chemistry and protein purification

· Practical experience with laboratory scale AKTA chromatography

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Strong planning and organisational skills

· IT proficient (i.e. Microsoft Office)

· Proficient in the use of Unicorn software

Desirable:

· Knowledge of GLP / GMP

· Experience of process transfer and scale up to cGMP manufacture

· Experience of managing external stakeholders

· Knowledge of GAP analysis methodologies (e.g. FMEA, Cause and effect analysis)

· Experience of process characterisation / validation

· Operational excellence (5S or similar) experience

Qualities and Attitude:

· Excellent attention to detail

· Must have excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary/project team

· Prioritise and manage own time effectively

· Show initiative for problem solving and generating new ideas

· Create and support the work plans of the teams

· Able to support and mentor more junior members

· Comfortable working in a fast paced environment with changing priorities

· Willingness to support other activities within the department

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.