Senior Scientist / Laboratory Manager

ZipRecruiter; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an ambitious Lead Scientist to join a pioneering team in life sciences. This role is pivotal in executing analytical testing on therapeutic proteins, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. You will lead projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to significant scientific advancements. If you are passionate about protein characterization and thrive in a collaborative environment, this position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in the field. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to improving lives through science.

Qualifications

• Experience in protein characterization methods and LC-MS techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to lead project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects ensuring scientific objectives are met.
• Develop methodologies for analytical separation of biotherapeutic proteins.

Skills

Protein Characterization Methods

LC-MS/MS

Capillary Electrophoresis

Analytical Method Development

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Project Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences

Tools

LC-MS

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 a range of 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 project execution 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 projects, ensuring scientific objectives and timelines are met, and provide leadership to junior team members through your scientific expertise.
2. Communicate with external customers to demonstrate Lonza’s scientific credibility and grow relationships.
3. Develop methodologies for analytical separation and characterization of biotherapeutic proteins, focusing on MS-based techniques.
4. Improve work efficiency, support non-standard molecules, and maintain offerings in line with industry and regulatory expectations.
5. Support and encourage the development of MS users and system owners.
6. Execute 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 reviews of assays to support reference standards and biochemical comparability studies, ensuring results are scientifically sound and compliant with regulatory guidance.
9. Maintain analytical equipment, technologies, and systems supporting characterization stages.
10. Deliver practical training and participate in scientific discussions.

Key Requirements

• Practical experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterization, such as LC, capillary electrophoresis, and LC-MS.
• Theoretical knowledge of protein chemistry and regulatory requirements for characterization and biochemical studies.
• Ability to critically analyze data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
• Ability to work collaboratively and lead project teams when appropriate.
• Proven track record of developing junior colleagues’ skills, especially in LC-MS techniques.
• Excellent communication skills for customer interactions and training.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills with a creative and strategic mindset.
• 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 value ethical achievement, respect our people and environment, and strive to make a meaningful difference through our work.