Senior Bioprocessing Scientist

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior Bioprocessing Scientist to lead upstream process development for ATMPs, combining manual 2D workflows with closed, automated systems and applying PAT and data analytics to reduce cost of goods and accelerate scale‑up.

You will collaborate across CGT Catapult sites, supervise lab work, mentor junior scientists, and present results to stakeholders and collaborators, helping to position the UK as a leader in commercial cell and

Qualifications

• Commercial biotechnology or life sciences industry experience.
• Experience with ATMP process development and upstream bioprocessing.
• Experience with bioprocess data analysis and automation.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in bioprocessing of ATMPs including autologous and allogeneic products.
• Collaborate with CGT Catapult teams across sites and disciplines.
• Lead laboratory activities, experimental design and data reporting for USP development.
• Drive automation and digitalisation to reduce cost of goods and improve efficiency.
• Mentor junior scientists and communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Bioprocessing

ATMP knowledge

Automation & data analysis

Upstream processing

Leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in Life Sciences

Tools

DASbox

BioBLU

Ambr250

Quantum Flex

Univessel bioreactor

Job description

Senior Bioprocessing Scientist

Application Deadline: 20 September 2026

Department: Edinburgh Centre

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Edinburgh

Description

Purpose of Role: The Senior Bioprocessing Scientist will apply in-depth technical expertise across a range of projects to support the development of bioprocesses by adapting manual 2D processes into closed and automated processes, using technologies including stirred-tank bioreactors and other closed processing systems, linking unit operations, and integrating state of the art automation and digitalisation technologies to reduce cost of manufacturing and strengthen supply for manufacture of ATMPs. The role will be high profile, both within the organisation and outward facing to the Company’s stakeholders and Collaborators. As an active member of the CGT Catapult Scale Enabling Technology (SET) Edinburgh team, the Senior Bioprocessing Scientist will work closely with the London and Stevenage SET teams as well as the CGT Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centres (MICs) in Stevenage and Braintree to, plan and deliver on commercial, collaborative and in-house process development projects to drive the Up-Stream Process (USP) development work, automation and control within the CGT Catapult portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in bioprocessing of ATMPs including autologous and allogeneic products
• To engage and collaborate with CGT Catapult teams across different sites and disciplines
• Use of in-depth knowledge of ATMP process development, upstream bioprocessing, PAT and data analysis techniques to enable the delivery of process development and automation projects
• Drive towards integration of automation and digitalisation for cost of goods reduction by working with data, analytical, and IT teams
• Provide subject matter expertise in the planning and execution of laboratory work, the review of ATMP related products and processes, and the preparation of technical reports
• Provide leadership/ownership of laboratory activities associated with assigned USP development projects, including stock control, experimental design/planning/reporting, compliance with onsite procedures
• Support, engage and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to disseminate newly established innovative capabilities to the wider UK industry
• Agree resource requirements and budgets with project sponsors, project managers and Lead Scientists
• Produce, review experimental plans, witness completed experiments in the ELN, ensure raw data is processed according to data integrity guidelines and stored according to company policies, producing and reviewing study reports
• Present data at conferences and meetings where appropriate
• Provide line management and leadership to junior team members and mentoring of scientists within the team
• Work with technology providers and organisations to ensure that the CGT Catapult is a leader in scalable, automated process development for ATMPs
• Support Lead Scientist in day to day operational management of the facility
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise operational, laboratory and administrative processes whilst enhancing efficiency
• Contribution to out of hours work as required, demonstrating flexibility to meet project and business needs

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Relevant experience gained within a commercial biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, advanced therapies, or life sciences environment is essential
• Experience in analytical assays such as flow cytometry, qPCR, metabolite profiling and cell counting is essential
• Demonstrable experience of executing agreed research independently with minimal supervision is essential
• Experience of bioprocessing data structuring, analysis and formatting is essential
• Experience in bioprocessing and scaling, including upstream processing using stir tank bioreactor and other cell culture technologies and techniques are essential, including DASbox, BioBLU, ambr250, Quantum Flex, univessel bioreactor systems, 2D/3D culture systems, cell handling (e.g. T-cells, NK-cells, HEK cells), cell thawing, expansion, differentiation and banking
• Proven experience in PSC cell bioprocessing, including the culture, expansion and optimisation of cells using 2D and 3D systems
• Proven experience of effectively delivering training and developing other team members
• Experience in conducting technical Genetically Modified Organisms risk assessments to ensure biosafety compliance
• Experience of designing end to end bioprocess workflows with a focus on automation and digitalisation to drive standardisation and process closure
• Experience in Health and Safety management, including generation of risk assessments and ensuring COSHH compliance, contribution to incidents and near miss investigations, safety inspections and audits, equipment safety with an interest in advancing knowledge through NEBOSH certification
• Experience of statistical tools such as method validation and/or Design of Experiments to drive efficient and robust experimental design is desirable
• Experience of process scale-up and technology transfer to/from commercial and research organisations is desirable
• Experience of integrating PAT technologies into bioprocessing development workflows is desirable

• Strong knowledge of PSC biology and bioprocessing principles, including 2D and 3D cell expansion technologies and their application within advanced therapy manufacturing
• Excellent working knowledge of viral vector bioprocessing platforms
• Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK
• Desire to establish a high-profile career within cell and gene sector and the personal drive to help push the sector to be a commercial success. Ambitious, collaborative, and driven
• Delegates work appropriately to others (considering their abilities and the resources available to them). Balances workloads across the team, ensuring that there are no barriers from individuals, or people being underutilised
• Provides direction and coordinates action provides the team with clear direction at the beginning and consistently throughout a project lifecycle. Ensures each team member understands their role and what is expected of them to deliver
• Encourages close attention to quality even at a very detailed level. Is consistent across a project and acts as a role model for maintaining quality standards
• Communicates proactive: Shares information widely with others, including ‘upwards’ as well as ‘downwards’. ensures that this information is understood and makes others aware of information that may be useful to them, follows up to ensure it has been received and is open to any feedback they may receive
• Encourages others to share their views, thoughts, and feelings, and listens to what they have to say
• Develops relationships at all levels and uses these to the benefit of their work. Understands other points of view and uses this to gain agreement
• Identifies and takes responsibility for decisions and can be relied upon to get things done. Balances the strategic and the operational requirements when making decisions, consistently supporting the purpose of the CTG Catapult
• Is not afraid to make decisions quickly when necessary, even when they may not have all the information they would like. Risks failure when the potential rewards justify it and is able to make that calculation effectively
• Understand others: Demonstrates an interest in, and understanding of, the attitudes, views, capabilities, limitations and motivations of others. Considers how colleagues’ perceptions of a situation may influence the way they behave and is able to adapt their style accordingly
• Takes the time to inform and seek out the opinions of others in the team and across the division. Encourages the team to be involved in the decision-making process while empowering them to deliver
• Recognises others’ abilities and offers appropriate support, especially in developing people. Helps others to deal with challenging circumstances by coaching them through effective strategies
• Demonstrates adaptability in a fast-paced environment, maintaining accuracy and focus under pressure
• Demonstrates a solutions focussed approach
• A positive attitude towards learning, personal and professional development
• Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
• Willingness to travel; e.g. this may include visiting external stakeholders as part of collaborations, for dissemination of scientific research at conferences or to other CGT Catapult sites

• PhD or BSc in a relevant subject, supported by relevant industrial experience in the life sciences or bio-engineering field