Scientist - Cell

Intertek; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Intertek in Manchester is seeking a Cell Scientist to join our biopharmaceutical testing team. You will perform cell-based bioassays and contribute to method development within a GMP-accredited laboratory.

You will develop expertise in cell culture, data reporting and documentation while collaborating with experienced colleagues to support long-term client projects and ensure high-quality results.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on experience in cell culture, cell banking or cell-based assays.
• Experience in, or understanding of, GMP or GLP regulated environments.
• Good practical lab skills with data generation, interpretation and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to organise workload and work across multiple projects independently.
• Flow cytometry experience is advantageous.
• Experience in method development or validation, ideally per ICH Q2.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture, cell banking and cell-based bioassay activities in accordance with procedures.
• Generate, interpret and document analytical data to GMP-regulated quality standards.
• Support routine analysis and contribute to method development, optimization and validation.
• Work with potency assay endpoints such as proliferation, death and receptor binding.
• Apply experience in flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR or ddPCR where appropriate.
• Plan and deliver lab work across multiple long-term client projects.
• Investigate technical issues and review literature for problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with quality, safety, COSHH, GMO and SHE requirements.
• Communicate progress and results clearly to colleagues and clients and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Cell culture

Cell banking

Cell-based assays

GMP/GLP experience

Data reporting

Documentation

Collaboration

Workload management

Flow cytometry

Method development/validation

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Biology or Chemistry

Job description

Given our continued success, we are actively seeking a Cell Scientist to join our growing biopharmaceutical testing team in Manchester.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your career in cell-based bioassays within a GMP-accredited laboratory. You'll work on long-term client programmes, gaining experience across routine analysis, method development and validation while being supported by experienced technical colleagues.

If you're an enthusiastic cell biologist who values quality, collaboration and continuous development, we'd love to hear from you.

ABOUT YOU

The position requires a practical, quality-focused scientist who enjoys working in a regulated laboratory and takes pride in generating reliable data and maintaining accurate records.

You may be a Senior Analyst ready for your next step or an experienced Scientist looking to broaden your technical responsibility. We're particularly interested in candidates with hands-on cell culture or cell-based assay experience and an understanding of working within GMP, GLP or another regulated environment.

You'll join a supportive, established team where colleagues share knowledge, help one another during busy periods and have genuine opportunities to progress.

Required skills and experience:

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
• Hands-on experience in cell culture, cell banking or cell-based assays
• Experience in, or a good understanding of, a regulated laboratory environment such as GMP or GLP
• Good practical laboratory and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate, interpret and clearly report scientific data
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, compliant documentation
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork
• Ability to organise your workload, work across multiple projects and operate independently within your level of experience
• Flow cytometry experience would be highly advantageous
• Experience of method development or validation, ideally in line with ICH Q2 guidance, would be beneficial

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As a Cell Scientist, you'll perform cell-based bioassays supporting the analysis of biopharmaceutical products, which may include monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, peptides, viruses, and cell and gene therapies.

You'll begin by becoming familiar with our quality systems and established analytical methods, supported by a senior technical lead. As your knowledge develops, you'll gain greater involvement in new client projects, method development and validation, with the opportunity to lead technical activities as your experience grows.

Our projects offer both depth and continuity. Development and validation phases may run for several months before progressing into routine analysis, and many client programmes remain with the team for years. This gives you the opportunity to build strong technical knowledge and see the long‑term impact of your work.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a global pharmaceutical testing organisation while contributing to work that supports the quality and safety of important biopharmaceutical products.

Key activities:

• Perform cell culture, cell banking and cell-based bioassay activities in accordance with approved procedures
• Generate, interpret and document analytical data to the required quality standards within a GMP-regulated laboratory
• Support routine analysis and, depending on experience, contribute to method development, optimisation and validation
• Work with cell-based potency assay endpoints such as cell proliferation, cell death, receptor binding, cell activation, transfection/transduction, ADCC or CDC
• Apply or develop experience in complementary techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR or ddPCR
• Plan and deliver laboratory work across multiple long-term client projects
• Investigate technical issues, review scientific literature and contribute to effective problem‑solving
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and comply with relevant quality, safety, COSHH, GMO and SHE requirements
• Communicate scientific progress, results and conclusions clearly to colleagues and, where appropriate, clients
• Share knowledge, support colleagues and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment
• Support the training or mentoring of junior colleagues where appropriate to your level of experience

WHAT WE OFFER

Join Intertek and become part of our global network of inspiring and entrepreneurial colleagues. We are a global family that values diversity and we thrive working together with precision, pace, and passion. We are working to make the world Ever Better, ensuring the quality, safety and sustainability of products and services used by millions of people around the world.

• Development and career opportunities around the Globe
• Client‑facing technical work within a highly motivated team and dynamic working environment

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who do not discriminate against applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex or national origin.

Intertek operates a preferred supplier arrangement, and we do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies