Bioprocessing Scientist - Technology and Process Innovation

The Bioprocessing Scientist will apply in-depth technical expertise across a range of projects to support the development of bioprocessing technologies. The role is high profile, both within the CGT Catapult and outward facing to the Company’s stakeholders and Collaborators. Working in multidisciplinary teams, the Bioprocessing Scientist will play a central role in applying their bioprocessing and process characterisation knowledge to accelerate the development of a wide range of cell and gene therapy products including AAV production, iPSC expansion and differentiation, whilst also being an integral part of the wider Technology and Process Innovation (TPI) team in supporting the integration of Process Analytical Technologies and digitalisation efforts to develop next generation manufacturing platforms.

Key Accountabilities:

• Leadership/ownership of laboratory activities associated with assigned upstream process (USP) development projects, including stock control, experimental design/planning/reporting, compliance with onsite procedure generation
• Providing subject matter expertise in the planning and execution of laboratory work, the review of ATMP related products and processes, and the preparation of technical reports
• To engage and collaborate with CGT Catapult teams across different sites and disciplines as required
• Support, engage, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and Collaborators to disseminate newly established innovative capabilities to the wider UK industry
• Producing experimental plans, witnessing completed experiments in the ELN, ensuring raw data is processed according to data integrity guidelines and stored according to company policies, producing and reviewing study reports
• Presenting data at conferences and meetings where appropriate
• Planning and executing experiments to meet project deliverables
• Will work and engage with Colleagues at all levels across different departments to deliver objectives
• Leadership in troubleshooting, optimisation, and implementation of cell culture based methodologies
• Development and qualification of analytical assays to support characterisation of cell therapy based products

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years’ industrial experience in the life sciences or bio-engineering field, or equivalent experience/qualifications (with a PhD or BSc in a life sciences or bio-engineering subject or equivalent experience/qualifications)
• Experience with upstream processing using STR and other cell culture technologies is essential, including Ambr 15/250, Univessel 2L, Quantum and DasBox systems
• Experience with AAV or iPSC culture processes is desirable
• Experience in leadership of experimental planning, laboratory activities and specialised equipment maintenance
• Experience in leadership of laboratory and operational improvement efforts is desirable
• Experience in performing analytical assays such as flow cytometry is desirable
• Experience of statistical tools such as method validation and/or Design of Experiments to drive efficient and robust experimental design is desirable
• Experience of integrating PAT technologies into bioprocessing development workflows is desirable
• Experience of data handling and formatting is essential
• Extensive experience in the design and execution of bioprocessing studies from small scale flask experiments to large scale STR based experiments

Knowledge / Skills / Competencies:

• Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK
• Desire to establish a high profile career within the cell and gene sector and the personal drive to help push the sector to be a commercial success
• Capable of designing experiments with appropriate controls
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is essential, along with experience of using data analyses software
• Plans activities and tasks in advance effectively so as to ensure deadlines are consistently met
• Shows determination and initiative working through challenges to achieve success
• Takes steps to ensure key project deliverables are always met, and follows through where needed
• Applies specialist skills and technical knowledge to solve complex problems
• Demonstrates a rigour in examining new information, rather than just accepting what is in front of them
• Clearly expresses opinions and information in a concise manner, whether this be in verbal or written form
• Understands who they are communicating to and uses the most effective methods to engage that audience
• Checks understanding when delivering messages to ensure the message is understood clearly
• Takes time understanding different perspectives and views, and is able to adjust or change the message they are delivering as a result
• Holds themselves and others accountable by acting with integrity and trust in everything they do
• Understands their own emotions, and those of others, while appreciating the impact that emotion can have on people
• Balances personal goals with those of the team, and works to ensure that both can be met where possible
• Remains balanced under pressure and keeps the overall objectives in mind to help prioritise tasks
• Works productively in a pressurised environment, not letting quality or productivity be too adversely impacted
• Welcomes feedback and deals with it constructively by not being overly defensive, and asks questions to better understand
• Encourages others to express themselves and proactively seeks out their views
• A positive attitude towards learning, personal and professional development
• Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
• Willingness to travel

Education / Qualifications:

• PhD or BSc in a life sciences or bio-engineering subject, or equivalent experience/qualifications (with a minimum of 3 years industrial experience in the life sciences or bio-engineering field)

CGT Catapult is committed to providing an equal, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. We celebrate differences, empower, and inspire everyone, because when everyone is included, everyone wins. In 2024, we received bronze accreditation from Inclusive Employers.