Senior Scientist, Protein Biochemistry

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Scientist to join their innovative team in Slough. This pivotal role involves leading complex projects in protein characterization, utilizing advanced analytical techniques like LC-MS/MS. You will collaborate with peers to execute meticulous testing and support product characterization, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact significant scientific advancements while mentoring junior colleagues. If you are passionate about driving scientific solutions and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing analytical methods for protein characterization.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for characterization studies.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Protein Characterization Methods

LC-MS/MS

Data Analysis

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Relevant Certifications

Tools

LC

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 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 procedures. This role offers an outstanding chance to contribute to significant scientific advancements.

Key responsibilities:

1. Lead major or complex projects simultaneously, ensuring scientific objectives and timelines are met, and provide leadership to junior team members through their 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 aligned 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 supporting reference standard 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 comparability studies.
• Ability to critically analyze data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
• Ability to work collaboratively to meet business, regulatory, and customer needs, leading 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 creative and strategic thinking.
• 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 also about how we achieve our results—ethically and responsibly. We value challenge and creativity in solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences.