Process Development (UPSTREAM) Team Lead

Walker Cole International Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing biopharma company in West London is seeking an experienced Upstream Bioprocessing Lead. In this role, you will lead a small team, overseeing cell culture and upstream process development while optimising mammalian processes to support high-quality protein and antibody production. Ideal candidates will have a expertise in mammalian cell culture, GLP/GMP standards, and a Masters or PhD in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Experience in mammalian cell culture process development, ideally using automated bioreactors.
• Knowledge of GLP/GMP standards, safety audits, and risk assessments.
• Understanding of therapeutic protein/antibody quality attributes.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily cell culture operations, including revival, subculture, cryopreservation, sampling, and in-process analysis.
• Monitor and optimise culture conditions, track outputs, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Analyse data, report results, and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH, and DoEs.
• Collaborate with UK and international colleagues on process development projects.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and processes run efficiently.

Skills

Cell Culture

Bioprocess Development

Team Leadership

GMP

Antibody Production

Education

Masters or PhD in Biological Science or related field

Tools

Automated Bioreactors

Job description

Walker Cole International is hiring for an experienced Upstream Bioprocessing lead to join a growing biopharma company in West London and help mentor and grow their USP team.

You'll lead a small team overseeing cell culture and upstream process development, optimising mammalian processes in ambr250 and small-scale bioreactors to support high-quality protein and antibody production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily cell culture operations, including revival, subculture, cryopreservation, sampling, and in-process analysis.
• Monitor and optimise culture conditions, track outputs, and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Analyse data, report results, and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH, and DoEs.
• Collaborate with UK and international colleagues on process development projects.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and processes run efficiently.

Requirements:

• Experience in mammalian cell culture process development, ideally using automated bioreactors.
• Knowledge of GLP/GMP standards, safety audits, and risk assessments.
• Understanding of therapeutic protein/antibody quality attributes.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• A Masters or PhD in Biological Science or related field.

Relevant areas of expertise: Cell Culture, Bioprocess Development, Bioreactors, Team Leadership, GMP, Antibody Production, Biosimilars, Upstream