Research Associate

Orion Corporation; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Pharma is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Cell Line Development team in Cambridge, UK. You will support generation and characterisation of stable mammalian cell lines for biologics production, including antibodies, and collaborate across CLD, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

This early-career role offers hands-on lab work, training in automated/high-throughput platforms, and exposure to industrial biologics R&D.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related life‑science discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and routine cell maintenance.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ideally, 1–2 years of relevant laboratory experience; biotech/pharma industry experience welcome.
• Experience with CHO cells, transfection or stable cell line generation would be advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including cell expansion, transfection, passaging and cryopreservation.
• Support the generation, screening and selection of stable CHO cell lines for biologics production.
• Assist with clone expansion and the generation and characterisation of Research Cell Banks (RCBs).
• Support high-throughput clone screening using Beacon platform.
• Prepare samples and coordinate handovers to analytical and process development colleagues.
• Perform basic molecular biology activities to support cell line and construct characterisation as required.
• Accurately document experimental activities, results and observations, and assist with data analysis and presentation.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment, materials and consumables, following Orion's laboratory, quality and data integrity procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Cell Line Development, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Aseptic technique

1-2 years lab experience

Education

BSc or MSc in Biotechnology/Life Sciences

Tools

Beacon platform

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the Cell Line Development (CLD) team at Orion's Biologics R&D Center in Cambridge, UK.

Working alongside experienced scientists, you will support the generation and characterisation of stable mammalian cell lines for the production of therapeutic proteins, including antibodies and other complex biologics. You will contribute to activities across the cell line development workflow, from routine cell culture and transfection through clone screening, selection and cell banking.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist who enjoys practical laboratory work and is keen to develop their skills in industrial biologics R&D. Training will be provided in specific techniques and technologies, including automated and high-throughput cell line development platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture activities, including cell expansion, transfection, passaging and cryopreservation.
• Support the generation, screening and selection of stable CHO cell lines for biologics production.
• Assist with clone expansion and the generation and characterisation of Research Cell Banks (RCBs).
• Support high-throughput clone screening using technologies such as the Beacon platform.
• Prepare samples and coordinate handovers to analytical and process development colleagues.
• Perform basic molecular biology activities to support cell line and construct characterisation, where required.
• Accurately document experimental activities, results and observations, and assist with data analysis and presentation.
• Help maintain laboratory equipment, materials and consumables, following Orion's laboratory, quality and data-integrity procedures.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Cell Line Development, Cell Engineering, Protein Expression and Process Development.

What we are looking for

• A BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related life‑science discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and routine cell maintenance.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Ideally, 1-2 years of relevant laboratory experience; biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience would be particularly welcome.
• Experience with CHO cells, transfection or stable cell line generation would be an advantage, but is not essential.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and a careful approach to experimental documentation.
• Curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and the ability to work collaboratively within a scientific team.

What we offer

You will join a growing team developing the capabilities needed to support Orion's expanding biologics portfolio. Working in a collaborative R&D environment, you will gain hands‑on experience in industrial cell line development, high-throughput screening, cell banking and modern laboratory technologies, with opportunities to develop your scientific and technical skills.

The position reports to the Senior Scientist within the Cell Line Development group.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company - a builder of well‑being for over a hundred years.

We're home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we're proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

• Locations The Bennett building B930 Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, GB (On-site)