Principal Scientist

Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Inc.; Wrexham; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Job summary

Ipsen Biopharm Ltd in Wrexham combines science and collaboration to advance biologics. We seek a Principal Scientist to lead CLD and USP within the Bioprocess Sciences team, guiding projects from candidate selection to commercial manufacturing.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentorship of junior scientists and partnerships with CDMOs, with hybrid working available in the UK.

Qualifications

• Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience in biologics.
• Deep expertise in Cell Line Development and/or Upstream Process Development.
• Strong experience with CHO cell lines and mammalian cell culture processes.
• Experience leading CMC development activities across the product lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience engaging with CDMOs and managing related activities.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cell Line Development and Upstream Process Development strategies across biologics development programmes.
• Provide scientific leadership for CMC development projects from early development through commercialisation.
• Act as a subject matter expert for CLD and USP activities, supporting technical decision-making.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance process productivity, robustness and product quality.
• Represent Upstream Process Development within multidisciplinary CMC teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external CMOs to support development, scale-up and technology transfer.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and technical documentation.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

Skills

Biologics development

Cell Line Development

Upstream Process Development

CMC development

Cross-functional collaboration

CDMO engagement

Communication & influence

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Title: Principal Scientist

Company: Ipsen Biopharm Ltd

About Ipsen:

Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation. Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society! For more information, visit us at https://www.ipsen.com/ and follow our latest news on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Job Description:

Principal Scientist - Cell Line Development & Upstream Process Development

Location: Wrexham, UK (Hybrid Working)

Contract: Permanent

Travel: Occasional travel (European)

Shape the Future of Biologics at Ipsen

At Ipsen, we're passionate about advancing innovative medicines that make a meaningful difference to patients' lives. We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join our Bioprocess Sciences team and provide scientific and technical leadership across Cell Line Development (CLD) and Upstream Process Development (USP) activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior biologics development professional to lead critical Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) development programmes, working with cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with global teams across our international network.

The Opportunity

As Principal Scientist, you will act as a recognised subject matter expert, leading the development and optimisation of cell line and upstream manufacturing processes for biologic products from candidate selection through to commercial manufacturing.

A key focus of the role will be driving upstream process development activities using mammalian and/or microbial cell lines, supporting multiple development programmes while providing technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists. You will play an integral role within cross-functional CMC teams, partnering with internal stakeholders and external Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) to ensure successful programme delivery.

This position offers exposure to a diverse biologics pipeline and the opportunity to influence development strategy across multiple projects while collaborating with colleagues throughout Ipsen's global organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Cell Line Development and Upstream Process Development strategies across biologics development programmes.
• Provide scientific leadership for CMC development projects from early development through commercialisation.
• Act as a subject matter expert for CLD and USP activities, supporting technical decision-making across programmes.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance process productivity, robustness and product quality.
• Represent Upstream Process Development within multidisciplinary CMC teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external CMOs to support development, scale-up and technology transfer activities.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and technical documentation.
• Conduct technical assessments for new product opportunities and in-licensing activities.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

About You

We're looking for a scientifically driven leader with strong biologics development experience and the ability to influence across complex, matrixed environments.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience within biologics development.
• Deep expertise in Cell Line Development and/or Upstream Process Development.
• Strong experience working with CHO cell lines and mammalian cell culture processes.
• Experience leading CMC development activities across the product lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience engaging with and managing activities CDMOs.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and technology transfer activities.
• Experience progressing biologic products from early to late-stage development and commercialisation.
• Demonstrated mentoring, coaching or leadership experience within scientific teams.

Why Join Ipsen?

At Ipsen, you'll be part of a collaborative and innovative organisation where science drives meaningful patient outcomes. We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working.
• Opportu