Process Development Scientist, Downstream - 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.

To conduct and design experimental investigations to drive the downstream process development of emerging drug candidates, supportive reagents and successful establishment of production processes for manufacturing and clinical development. Protein purification is core to this role, requiring knowledge and understanding of protein characteristics to implement robust column chromatography and separation techniques along with analytical assessments of purity, using methods such as SDS-PAGE and HPLC. The ability to work independently, as well as part of a team and to tight deadlines is essential. Robust record-keeping and strong communication skills are also required. The job also involves interaction and document/technical reviews with external CDMO partners to support successful GMP manufacturing and regulatory compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ALL SCIENTISTS

• Conducting experiments, observing, interpreting, and responding to results.
• Following experimental protocols and writing reports.
• Planning experiments and carrying out priorities, with guidance from line manager or other team members.
• Maintaining and increasing technical knowledge in relevant fields through self-study, observation and attending relevant conferences or training courses.
• Maintaining accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebook on time, following company procedures.
• Ensuring laboratory equipment is operated in accordance with safety and risk guidelines, acting promptly to report any faults or problems.
• Operating in accordance with the Company's Health and Safety policies, especially within a laboratory environment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Experiments: Independently running pre-established lines or areas of investigation, seeking guidance and support from colleagues and line managers as required and to confirm experimental direction.
• Priorities: Planning and working to agreed experiment deadlines, schedules and objectives, alerting managers and colleagues to risks and deviations that may impact meeting the goals, so that these can be addressed.
• Technical knowledge: Actively developing own knowledge, drawing on the experience of others and self-learning, practicing and sharing acquired skills that may benefit the team with colleagues and managers.
• Laboratory records: Ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard, seeking support when uncertain on how to complete these satisfactorily.
• Laboratory equipment: Attending training on the use of technical instruments, using equipment appropriately, owning and maintaining assigned pieces of equipment.
• Reporting: Presenting research, data and findings to colleagues at group/department team meetings. Regular reporting on progress of work verbally and in writing to line manager. Protocols and reports to be written and reviewed to meet the Immunocore Quality system.
• Health & Safety: Compliance with all H&S requirements, attending appropriate training programmes.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Worked in a bench-based microbial or mammalian expression, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical or bio-pharmaceutical laboratory environment gaining the following experience:

• Aseptic techniques
• Microbial manipulations, including transformation and culture
• Recombinant protein expression
• Protein purification techniques and operation of AKTA purification equipment
• Protein characterisation, including SDS-PAGE
• Competency in the use of general lab equipment and software

• Recorded results in a concise and timely way and in compliance with agreed standards.
• Able to design experiments and interpret results with minimal guidance.
• Learnt about new practices based through observation, self-learning and an enquiring mind.
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment.

Desirable

• Molecular biology skills.
• Biophysical characterisation of proteins.
• Analysing protein-protein interactions, using Biacore or Octet.
• Troubleshooting protein purification or recombinant protein expression.
• Mammalian expression.
• An awareness of cGMP and biopharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
• DoE experience.
• Lab management and implementing/supporting best practice.
• Presented scientific findings and progress to internal and external audiences.
• Worked in an industrial/biotechnology laboratory environment.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• BSc. or MSc. Or PhD in protein or biochemical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• Desirable: Relevant industrial or post-qualification academic experience.