Senior Mammalian Upstream Process Development Scientist I - Oxford

Senior Mammalian Upstream Process Development Scientist I – Oxford

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry\’s most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.

Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients\’ lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.

Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Senior Scientist for Mammalian Cell Line Development will bring experience and a strong understanding of developing and expressing mammalian cell lines for the production of complex biotherapeutics. For this lab-based role in the Process Development CMC group, you will develop and optimise mammalian cell lines for robust protein production of emerging drug candidates and reagents. The ability to plan and execute lab investigations independently and efficiently is key, along with analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Collaborative teamwork across CMC and with research is essential, coupled with excellent communication skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Develop and express mammalian cell lines for production of complex biopharmaceuticals. This includes supporting vector and gene design, using molecular biology techniques and optimising cell expression in transient and stable systems. Assessment of product yield and quality, using techniques such as Octet BLI and HPLC techniques.

* Scale-up support: optimise and express mammalian cell lines in bioreactors to support candidate nomination, development activities and process transfer to CDMOs. Support establishment of cell line development and expression activities through technical support to CDMO and review of associated documentation

* Experiments: independently testing and, increasingly, leading lines of investigation. Proposing new experiments based on emerging data and other related information. Providing support on technical aspects to others. Conduct and design experiments to support manufacturing at GMP; to support pre-clinical, clinical, and analytical assays, and regulatory submissions. Writing and following experimental protocols. Writing and reviewing reports.

* Priorities: establishing priorities for own work and team-based projects; making decisions on prioritisation based on the overall goals of the team, department, and project, using direct evidence and personal experience as guidance.

* Technical knowledge: proactive team member, sharing knowledge with the CMC and research teams, representing the department both internally and externally. May also act as a mentor or manager to other colleagues, especially new hires, sharing scientific and company knowledge. Increasingly providing analysis of new techniques and theories to advance company technology; sharing these with leaders across the Company. Provide technical guidance to others within the team on how to use equipment most effectively; making recommendations regarding acquisition of new pieces of equipment.

* Laboratory records: ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard. Supporting and encouraging others to achieve this.

* Laboratory equipment: providing technical guidance to others within the team on how to use equipment most effectively; making recommendations regarding acquisition of new pieces of equipment.

* Reporting: communicating and presenting findings at meetings with colleagues, senior management, and partners. Regular reporting on progress of work verbally and in writing. Protocols and reports to written and reviewed to meet the Immunocore Quality system.

* Health & Safety: championing

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

* Worked in a bench-based microbial, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical or bio-pharmaceutical laboratory environment with a recognized and established expertise to:
– Develop mammalian cell lines for production of complex biopharmaceuticals
– Vector and gene design optimisation for expression and product quality
– Molecular biology for cloning and gene/vector engineering
– Optimise mammalian cell expression in transient and stable systems
– Express mammalian cells in bioreactors
– Show a strong analytical mind with the ability to interpret complex datasets and propose sound experimental strategies
– Have an awareness of cGMP and biopharmaceutical manufacturing requirements
* Proposed and driven changes in working practices that have improved efficiency, supported teams through adoption and change
* Driven the direction and progress of work to aid attainment of deadlines or results
* Record results in a concise and timely way, and in compliance with agreed standards
* Mentored and coached less experienced colleagues in scientific practices and theory
* Able to interpret results with minimal guidance
* Increase technical knowledge and keep up to date with new technologies to enhance the capabilities of the team
* Ability to network between teams and disciplines

Desirable

* Assessment of protein expression and quality, such as with Octet BLI or HPLC techniques
* Microbial expression
* Familiar with process scale up activities aimed at achieving complete process understanding and control, as well as building robustness into biologics production platforms using DoE implementing QbD. Use of scaled-down systems, such as Ambr.
* Liaise with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth transition of projects through development and the successful transfer of optimised processes to manufacturing.
* Carry out technology transfer of biologic production processes to Contract Development Manufacturing Organizations including preparation of study reports and technology transfer documents, as well as troubleshooting process transfer issues. Technical oversight of cell line development activities at CDMO.
* Led a small project team, formally or informally, through a change in practice including project management of technical area
* Regulatory CMC document writing contributions (IND, IMPD)
* Current knowledge pertaining to drug development of biotherapeutics
* Contributing to external scientific collaborations

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

* Essential: BSc. or MSc. in protein or biochemical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related discipline
* Desirable: PhD in related discipline
* Desirable: Relevant industrial or academic experience