Senior Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Southall; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an ambitious Lead Scientist with proven expertise in protein characterisation methods. This pivotal role involves planning and executing analytical testing on therapeutic proteins to support product characterisation and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will lead projects, collaborate across teams, and drive improvements in methodologies, contributing to significant scientific advancements. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity and problem-solving in life sciences, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact worldwide.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in protein characterisation methods.
• Ability to critically analyse data and lead root cause analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects ensuring scientific objectives are met.
• Develop methodologies for analytical separation and characterization.

Skills

Protein Characterisation

LC-MS/MS

Analytical Methods Development

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Tools

LC-MS

Capillary Electrophoresis

Analytical Equipment

Job description

Job Description

Lead Scientist
Slough, UK
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people.

In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

An exciting opportunity for an ambitious Lead Scientist with significant and proven experience in protein characterisation methods (e.g., RP, SEC, icIEF) as well as LC‑MS/MS for analysis of protein primary structure, size and charge variants, and PTMs to join our outstanding team at Lonza.

Based in Slough (UK), this role is pivotal to our ongoing success and growth. As a leading member of our laboratory team, you will be responsible for planning and executing analytical testing on therapeutic proteins to support product characterisation, biocomparability, and other studies to meet regulatory needs.

You will collaborate with peers across teams to ensure meticulous execution of projects and lead improvements to our standard ways of working. This role offers an outstanding chance to contribute to significant scientific advancements.

Key responsibilities:

1. Lead major or complex work/projects simultaneously, ensuring scientific objectives and timelines are met, and provide leadership to junior team members through their expert scientific knowledge.
2. Communicate with external customers to demonstrate Lonza’s scientific credibility and grow relationships.
3. Actively develop methodologies for analytical separation and characterization of biotherapeutic proteins, with a focus on MS-based techniques.
4. Develop approaches to improve work efficiency, support non-standard molecules, and maintain offerings in line with industry and regulatory expectations.
5. Provide support and encourage development of MS users and system owners.
6. Execute assigned assays with a focus on safety, quality, timeliness, and accuracy, adhering to regulatory requirements where appropriate.
7. Complete and peer review laboratory documentation.
8. Perform technical review of assays to support reference standard and biochemical comparability studies, ensuring results are scientifically sound and compliant with current regulatory guidance.
9. Maintain analytical equipment, technologies, and systems required for characterisation stages.
10. Deliver practical training and participate in scientific discussions.

Key requirements:

1. Practical experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterisation (e.g., LC, capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS).
2. Theoretical knowledge of protein chemistry and regulatory requirements for characterisation and biochemical studies.
3. Ability to critically analyse data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
4. Capability to work collaboratively in a team to meet business, regulatory, and customer needs.
5. Proven track record of developing junior colleagues’ skills, particularly in LC-MS techniques.
6. Excellent communication skills for customer interactions and training.
7. Outstanding problem-solving skills with creative and strategic thinking.
8. Dedication to continuous learning and staying updated with scientific and regulatory advancements.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services positively impact millions of people. We see this as both a privilege and a responsibility. We respect and protect our people and environment. Success is meaningful only if achieved ethically. People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction of improving lives worldwide and making a meaningful difference.