Lead Upstream Bioprocess Scientist – Maternity Cover

AstraZeneca plc; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc in Cambridge, UK, seeks an Associate Principal Scientist for temporary maternity cover to lead upstream mammalian cell culture process development across CMC stages.

You will drive CHO-based studies, apply DoE and modelling, coordinate matrix teams, and guide scale-up and tech transfer to internal facilities and partners while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong theory and hands-on expertise in mammalian upstream process development, preferably CHO culture.
• Experience with DoE, statistical analysis and data-driven process optimisation.
• Experience contributing to CMC development, technical reports or regulatory content.
• Ability to lead work through matrix teams and manage concurrent priorities.

Responsibilities

• Own upstream process development work packages across development cycles with delivery plans and governance.
• Design and interpret CHO inoculum, fed-batch and perfusion studies with media optimisation.
• Plan and oversee high-throughput bioreactor work using ambr platforms and stirred-tank systems.
• Apply mechanistic understanding and modelling to identify process drivers and operating ranges.
• Integrate growth, viability and product quality data to inform next steps with evidence.
• Contribute to multi-omics and metabolic modelling initiatives when required.
• Lead documentation for governance: experimental plans, SOPs, and CMC sections.
• Coordinate input from analytics, formulation, manufacturing, quality and regulatory teams.
• Support scale-up, tech transfer and transfers to internal and external partners.
• Mentor scientists and technicians in matrix environments; no direct line management.
• Champion safety, quality and compliance in line with GLP/GMP expectations.

Skills

Mammalian upstream process development

CHO cell culture

Design of Experiments

Data-driven optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Project planning and coordination

Regulatory documentation support

Education

Doctoral degree or Master’s in biochemical engineering/bioprocessing/biotechnology

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Ambr250

JMP

SIMCA

Design-Expert

Python

MATLAB

Job description

AstraZeneca plc in Cambridge, UK, seeks an Associate Principal Scientist for temporary maternity cover to lead upstream mammalian cell culture process development across CMC stages.

You will drive CHO-based studies, apply DoE and modelling, coordinate matrix teams, and guide scale-up and tech transfer to internal facilities and partners while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.