Senior Mammalian Expression Scientist – CHO & GMP

Lonza, Inc.; Saffron Walden; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Lonza in Cambridge, UK is seeking a senior scientist to lead mammalian expression projects. You will perform hands-on lab work and drive project delivery, with emphasis on CHO-based expression systems and newer host development.

The role requires a PhD with strong experience in CHO engineering, molecular biology, and data interpretation. You will mentor colleagues and collaborate across disciplines to enable GMP-ready technology transfer.

Qualifications

• Strong practical expertise in CHO cell line engineering and mammalian expression system development
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology and expression systems development
• Experience leading scientific projects and mentoring colleagues
• Collaborative, proactive communicator with cross-disciplinary teamwork
• Experience in experimental design and statistics to turn data into conclusions

Responsibilities

• Lead key mammalian cell expression projects with ~80% hands-on lab work
• Develop and contribute to next-generation CHO-based expression hosts
• Engineer mammalian cell lines using random and targeted integration and CRISPR
• Develop expression vectors using state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques
• Characterise engineered cell lines using NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry
• Analyse data, sign off results, and communicate findings in reports
• Mentor junior scientists and support knowledge sharing and project delivery
• Drive technology development and transfer towards GMP manufacturing
• Build expertise through internal stakeholder engagement and proof-of-concept projects

Education

PhD or equivalent advanced scientific qualification

Job description

Lonza in Cambridge, UK is seeking a senior scientist to lead mammalian expression projects. You will perform hands-on lab work and drive project delivery, with emphasis on CHO-based expression systems and newer host development.

The role requires a PhD with strong experience in CHO engineering, molecular biology, and data interpretation. You will mentor colleagues and collaborate across disciplines to enable GMP-ready technology transfer.