Senior Scientist, Protein Biochemistry

ZipRecruiter; Wembley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company is seeking a Lead Scientist in Slough, UK, to drive analytical testing on therapeutic proteins. The role involves leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and developing methodologies for protein characterization. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to significant scientific advancements and improve lives worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterization.
• Ability to analyze data and interpret results.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Analytical Methods

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Tools

LC-MS

Capillary Electrophoresis

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 execution of 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. 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. 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 to support characterization stages.
10. Deliver practical training and participate in scientific discussions.

Key requirements:

1. Practical experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterization such as LC, capillary electrophoresis, and LC-MS.
2. Theoretical knowledge of protein chemistry and regulatory requirements for characterization and biochemical studies.
3. Ability to critically analyze data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
4. Ability to work collaboratively to meet business, regulatory, and customer needs, leading project teams as appropriate.
5. Proven track record in developing junior colleagues’ skills, especially 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 a privilege and a responsibility. We respect and protect our people and environment.

Success at Lonza is achieved ethically. People come 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.