Process Development Scientist - Bio-Conjugation

RRxCo.; Newbridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

RRxCo. in Deeside (North Wales) seeks a permanent Process Development Scientist - Bio-conjugation to advance conjugation methods from early non-GMP work through cGMP development for clinical trials manufacture.

The role is lab-based (80%) with some office work and involves presenting data to clients and internal teams. The ideal candidate holds a BSc in Biochemistry or related field with 2–3 years in protein conjugation or purification, and experience with GMP environments is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum BSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Chemistry or related Science discipline plus 2–3 years relevant experience in at least one area.
• Protein conjugation / modification experience.
• Protein downstream purification and protein physicochemical analysis using HPLC and MS.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for and perform conjugation of small molecules and polymers to antibodies and proteins.
• Characterise conjugates using HPLC and mass spectrometry to assess quality.
• Perform robustness, characterisation and optimisation studies on processes.
• Support process scale-up and transfer into manufacturing facilities.
• Assist with formulation development, stability studies and client presentations.

Skills

Protein conjugation

Protein purification

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Communication

Problem solving

Education

BSc in Biochemistry

Tools

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

This role is a permanent position based in the Process Development Group in Deeside (North Wales). As a Process Development Scientist - Bio-conjugation, you will work across all stages from early research (non-GMP) through to full development of processes for clinical trials manufacture (cGMP regulated).

The position is laboratory based, and you will spend 80% of your time in the laboratory and 20% in the office. You will need to work accurately, to high quality standards and to tight timelines. You will work in a fast-paced environment and will have direct client contact. This requires clear communication of complex data sets via written and oral presentations as a regular requirement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop methods for and perform the conjugation of small molecules (e.g. cytotoxins and chelators) and polymers to antibodies and proteins using a number of chemical and enzymatic conjugation techniques.
• Characterise manufactured antibody and protein conjugates using HPLC and mass spectrometry.
• To perform broader process robustness, characterisation and optimisation studies.
• To support with process scale-up and ultimately transfer into manufacturing facilities.
• Support with formulation development and stability studies as required.
• Comply with all safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• Presenting data to clients and internal scientific teams.
• Keeping accurate records and document experimental results in laboratory notebooks.
• Planning you own work to meet project objectives in a timely manner.
• Taking part in laboratory housekeeping and contributing to general maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Performing tasks accurately following protocols (standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments).

Requirements for the role:

• Minimum BSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Chemistry or related Science discipline plus a minimum of 2-3 years relevant experience in at least one of the following areas:
• Protein conjugation / modification.
• Protein downstream purification – chromatography and TFF.
• Protein physicochemical analysis – specifically HPLC and Mass Spectrometry.

• Experience of working under Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP / GMP) (Desirable).
• Must be a team player with proven experience of working within a high performing team.
• Scientific mindset with problem solving skills and have the drive to see issues to a successful resolution.
• Excellent communication skills, organisational skills and with a good eye for detail
• Must align to our company values; Be Transparent, Be Willing, Be Reliable and Be Caring

The ideal candidate would be someone who enjoys rising to new challenges and who holds a positive can-do attitude. Support and training will be provided to upskill the successful candidates.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain and build upon knowledge and experience in a rapidly growing and innovative field.