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- Tasks: Lead hands-on protein purification and scale-up processes for life-changing medicines.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in R&D transforming science into impactful medicines.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, cutting-edge tools, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by advancing biologics to clinical readiness.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Science or Engineering with relevant experience in protein purification.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and supports your career journey.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you ready to scale recombinant proteins from 50 – 500 L and see your work translate into clinical readiness? Do you thrive at the interface of hands‑on experimentation and pilot‑scale decision making that speeds life‑changing medicines to patients? As a Scientist in Protein Expression and Large‑Scale Purification, you will join a cross‑functional team focused on progressing biologics from lab to pilot scale with precision, pace and scientific rigor. Your work will underpin toxicology supply, inform clinical manufacturing strategies, and advance novel technologies that make our processes faster, more robust and more sustainable. You will collaborate with experts across process development, analytical sciences and formulation, working with modern pilot‑scale systems to build scalable, high‑quality purification processes. Your impact will be visible in the speed and quality of programs entering the clinic and, in the technologies, we develop for the next generation of biologics.
Accountabilities
- Lead primary clarification of 50–500 L bioreactors using disk stack centrifugation and depth filtration.
- Run recombinant protein purification on Bioprocess and AKTA pilot‑scale systems.
- Design and implement polishing steps to enrich purity and remove process‑ and product‑related impurities, increasing product quality.
- Execute detailed production at scale prior to clinical manufacture, generating data that supports tech transfer.
- Perform UF/DF using bench and pilot‑scale systems to achieve target concentration and buffer conditions while maintaining product integrity.
- Apply SEC‑HPLC, UV‑Vis, osmolarity and related techniques to characterize process performance, enabling data‑driven decisions.
- Contribute to in‑house technology development projects to elevate capability, reduce cost, and increase speed to clinic.
- Record experiments accurately and on time; produce clear data summaries and reports that drive program decisions and meet project timelines.
- Present results and recommendations at group and departmental forums, fostering discussion that sharpens strategy and execution.
- Oversee and mentor students from placements or academic collaborations; cultivate productive collaborations internally and with external partners.
- Implement and promote AstraZeneca’s health and safety practices including the regulations governing COSHH, biological agents and genetically modified organisms as detailed in the relevant risk assessments.
- Play a significant role in tox supply activities and pilot‑scale primary clarification, purification and formulation to keep critical milestones on track.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Relevant university degree (e.g., BSc/MSc/PhD) in Life Science, Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, with relevant industrial experience desirable.
- Technical and practical understanding of Protein purifications at 50-500L scale.
- The use of Centrifuge and POD filtration as well as Bioprocess and AKTA pilot and associated software.
- Development of polishing steps for purity enrichment.
- Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration using bench and pilot scale systems.
- Product and process characterization using SEC‑HPLC, UV‑VIS, Osmolarity device and other techniques.
- Contributing to technology development projects.
- Accurate, clear and timely recording of experiments; preparation of data summaries and reports according to project requirements and timelines.
- Presentation of data at informal group meetings and at departmental meetings.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Experience of HPLC.
- Experience preparing batch records.
- Process filter sizing.
- Experience large scale Tangential Flow Filtration.
- Large scale column packing.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and protein expression.
- Operation of bioreactor systems for mammalian suspension cultures.
- Experience in the use of data science and AI/ML tools for process development and data analysis (JMP / foundation and agent‑based AI assistants).
Why AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, curious minds come together to do work that matters. We collaborate in cross‑functional teams, spanning early discovery, process development, analytical sciences, and more, to transform molecules into medicines for patients. Join a leading R&D organization pushing scientific boundaries with the latest tools and data. You will be empowered to ask bold questions, learn quickly from experiments, and shape how breakthrough biologics reach patients, supported by leaders who value kindness alongside ambition and by teams that share knowledge openly to move with speed and purpose.
Call To Action
If you are ready to turn pilot‑scale protein purification into real clinical processes, bring your expertise and ambition to AstraZeneca and help us deliver the next wave of life‑changing medicines.
Scientist (Protein Expression and Large-Scale Purification) in Cambridge employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist (Protein Expression and Large-Scale Purification) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of protein expression and purification. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those related to large-scale purification and bioprocessing. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to protein purification and bioprocessing. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at AstraZeneca.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist (Protein Expression and Large-Scale Purification) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in protein purification and any hands-on work with bioreactors or pilot-scale systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to contribute to our mission of delivering life-changing medicines.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to mention your technical expertise, especially in areas like SEC-HPLC, ultrafiltration, and data analysis. We want to see how your skills can help us advance our technologies and processes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protein purification techniques, especially at the 50-500 L scale. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with centrifugation, depth filtration, and any relevant software like AKTA. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in scaling up processes or improving product quality. Think about specific instances where you designed polishing steps or used analytics to drive decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting your past projects and results succinctly. You might be asked to explain complex data or processes, so being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. Use visuals if possible, as they can help convey your points more powerfully during discussions.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Share examples of how you've mentored others or worked alongside different departments to achieve common goals. This will highlight your teamwork skills and your ability to foster productive relationships.