Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences

About the Role

To strengthen our Drug Substance Process Sciences team, we are seeking a talented and motivated Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to support upstream process development for biologics.

You will contribute to early-stage process development, process optimisation, technology transfer, and manufacturing support activities. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help develop scalable mammalian cell culture processes, perform process characterisation and troubleshooting studies, and support the delivery of innovative protein therapeutics.

This is a laboratory-based role offering exposure to advanced cell culture technologies, high-throughput platforms, and bioreactor systems ranging from microscale to pilot scale.

Your Activities

Process Development & Laboratory Operations

• Design, plan, and execute upstream process development studies with minimal supervision.
• Apply QbD and DoE approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
• Perform mammalian cell culture experiments using shake flasks, Ambr® systems, and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Support scale-up, scalability assessments, process troubleshooting, and technology transfer activities.
• Utilise automation and high-throughput technologies to improve workflow efficiency.
• Contribute to evaluation of emerging technologies and platform improvements.

Data Analysis & Scientific Communication

• Analyse and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Generate accurate, high-quality scientific data and documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, presentations, and project summaries.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development, Manufacturing and external partners.
• Represent Upstream Process Sciences in cross-functional project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, GMP/GSP, quality systems, and data integrity requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and laboratory best practices.

Requirements

• MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related discipline. or BSc with relevant industrial experience.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologics process development.
• Hands-on experience with CHO cell culture and therapeutic protein production.
• Experience operating Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactor systems.
• Knowledge of cell culture scale-up principles and process characterisation.
• Experience applying DoE and statistical data analysis tools.
• Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with automation, digital tools, and data management systems.
• Understanding of GMP, data integrity, and quality requirements.

Advantageous

• Perfusion or ATF process experience.
• Technology transfer and manufacturing support experience.
• Exposure to downstream processing and integrated process development.