Senior Process Development Scientist, Upstream

Immunocore Holdings PLC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology firm in Oxford is seeking a candidate for upstream process development involving mammalian and microbial cell culture. The ideal candidate will have expertise in bioreactors and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, designing protocols, and maintaining lab records. A BSc or MSc in a related field is essential, with a PhD being desirable. Join us to contribute to transformative medicines!

Qualifications

• Experience in bench-based mammalian process development or related lab environment.
• Ability to execute and optimise mammalian expression in bioreactors.
• Strong practical knowledge of mammalian cell culture for lab-scale expression.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments and interpret data.
• Design experimental protocols and write reports.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and compliance with health standards.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Microbial cell culture

Regulatory compliance

Data interpretation

Technical writing

Education

BSc or MSc in protein or biochemical engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

Bioreactors

SDS-PAGE

HPLC

Job description

Overview

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing transformative medicines for oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. Our soluble TCR platform and ImmTAX molecules enable precision-engineered therapies to address high unmet medical need. We value STRIDE—Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship—and strive to create an environment where collaboration thrives and transformative changes happen. Immunocore is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

We are seeking a candidate to conduct and design experimental investigations for upstream process development of emerging drug candidates, supportive reagents, and the establishment of upstream processes for manufacturing and clinical development. The role requires mammalian cell culture experience (notably CHO cells) in transfection, transient and stable expression, shake flask and bioreactor culture, feeding strategies, growth and quality assessments, and titer measurements. Microbial cell culture experience (shake-flask and bioreactors) is also required. The role includes technical oversight to ensure regulatory compliance and support of external upstream manufacturing at GMP, including review of batch records, interactions with CDMOs, and development/troubleshooting of upstream manufacturing processes. Independent work and teamwork under tight deadlines, robust record-keeping, and strong regulatory writing and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments, observe results, interpret data, and respond accordingly.
• Design experimental protocols and write reports; plan experiments and priorities with guidance from the line manager.
• Maintain and expand technical knowledge through self-study, conferences, and training.
• Keep accurate laboratory records, follow procedures, and ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies.
• Operate within the company quality system and report any safety or equipment issues promptly.

Specific Responsibilities

• Independently test and lead lines of investigation; propose new experiments based on emerging data; provide technical support to others.
• Design experiments to support GMP manufacturing, pre-clinical, clinical, analytical assays, and regulatory submissions; write and follow experimental protocols and reports.
• Establish work priorities for self and team; make prioritisation decisions with support from the line manager based on team, department, and project goals.
• Share technical knowledge across the team and potentially mentor or manage colleagues; evaluate and adopt new techniques to improve the company’s operations; advise on equipment acquisitions.
• Maintain up-to-date laboratory records and support others in achieving this standard.
• Provide technical guidance on equipment use and contribute to equipment acquisition decisions.
• Present findings at meetings with colleagues, senior management, and partners; provide regular progress reports in writing and verbally; ensure protocols and reports meet Immunocore Quality system requirements.
• Champion Health & Safety practices and provide ad-hoc training as required.

Experience and Knowledge

Note: The following are listed as Essential and Desirable elements in the original description and are retained here in a structured format.

• Essential: Experience in bench-based mammalian process development or related lab environment with demonstrated expertise to:
• Execute and optimise mammalian expression in bioreactors; support upstream production for downstream processes and analytical characterization; interpret complex datasets; understand cGMP and biopharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
• Strong practical knowledge of mammalian cell culture for lab-scale expression and scale-up; microbial expression in shake-flasks and bioreactors.
• Ability to implement changes to improve efficiency and drive project progress; effective communication of complex data; accurate, timely recording of results compliant with standards.
• Mentoring or coaching of colleagues; ability to interpret results with minimal guidance; willingness to learn new technologies and network across teams.
• Desirable: Molecular biology skills; understanding of ICH cell bank characterization, DoE, QbD, and small-scale systems (e.g., Ambr); experience with SDS-PAGE, Octet, HPLC; collaboration with USP/DSP/Analytical teams; technology transfer to CDMOs; regulatory CMC contributions; external scientific collaboration.

Education & Qualifications

• Essential: BSc or MSc in protein or biochemical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• Desirable: PhD in a related field; relevant industrial or post-doctoral experience.