Principal Scientist

Oxford BioMedica; Oxford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford BioMedica is seeking a Principal Scientist for Upstream Process Development on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role involves leading the optimization of processes for lentiviral vector production, contributing to critical improvements, while working in a dynamic team committed to delivering innovative therapies. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and possess extensive experience in bioprocessing.

Benefits

Highly competitive total reward packages

Welcoming, friendly, supportive colleagues

Diverse and inclusive working environment

State of the art laboratory and manufacturing facilities

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in upstream bioprocessing.
• Hands-on experience with suspension culture and lab/pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Good understanding of regulatory requirements (GLP/GMP).

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors.
• Design and execute experiments at bioreactor scales.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support project goals.

Skills

Technical knowledge of mammalian cell culture

Data analysis tools proficiency

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

BSc, MSc, or PhD in relevant bioscience discipline

Tools

Excel

JMP

Design Expert

GraphPad Prism

Job description

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Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development, 12 Months Maternity Cover.

We are at the centre of the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy sector. We deliver life-changing therapies to patients, and so can you.

We are currently recruiting for a Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development (Fixed Term Contract [FTC]) to join the Process Development team.

The purpose of this 12-month fixed-term contract role is to lead and support the development and optimisation of upstream processes for lentiviral vector production, while contributing scientific expertise to deliver critical manufacturing improvements and process characterisation activities.

Oxford Biomedica’s Process Development (PD) team consists of experienced scientists and engineers that have extensive expertise in all aspects of upstream and downstream development. PD take processes from the laboratory “bench” scale and apply process expertise and engineering fundamentals for delivery to Manufacturing.

Your responsibilities in this role will be:

• Develop and optimise upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors using QbD principles and DoE.
• Design and execute experiments at various bioreactor scales to support process development and technology transfer.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data to drive process improvements and inform decision-making.
• Support scale-up and scale-down studies and process validation activities for client programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to support project goals.
• Maintain high-quality documentation in compliance with GLP/GMP and safety standards.
• Contribute technical input and expertise to troubleshooting, investigations, and cross-department initiatives.

We are looking for:

• A BSc, MSc, or PhD in a relevant bioscience discipline with substantial experience in upstream bioprocessing.
• Strong technical knowledge of mammalian cell culture, lentiviral or other gene therapy vector production.
• Hands-on experience with suspension culture systems and lab/pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Familiarity with metabolite analysis and media development in mammalian systems.
• Good understanding of regulatory requirements (GLP/GMP) and quality management systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, Design Expert, and GraphPad Prism.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, detail-oriented approach to problem solving.

About Us:

OXB is a quality and innovation-led viral vector CDMO with a mission to enable its clients to deliver life changing therapies to patients around the world. One of the original pioneers in cell and gene therapy, we have more than 25 years of experience in viral vectors; the driving force behind the majority of gene therapies.

OXB collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors. OXB’s world-class capabilities span from early-stage development to commercialisation. These capabilities are supported by robust quality-assurance systems, analytical methods, and depth of regulatory expertise.

What’s in it for you:

• Highly competitive total reward packages
• Welcoming, friendly, supportive colleagues
• A diverse and inclusive working environment
• State of the art laboratory and manufacturing facilities