At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in bioreactor scale-up and upstream modeling for biologics manufacturing.
- Company: Global biologics manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Relocation to Denmark, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of bioprocess scale-up.
- Why this job: Combine hands-on science with leadership in a cutting-edge bioprocess environment.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or Master's in relevant fields and 5+ years of process development experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A global biologics manufacturing organization is seeking a candidate with a background in Bioreactor Scale-Up & Upstream Modeling to lead a specialized team responsible for process scale-up modeling within the upstream process development function. This role combines deep technical ownership with people leadership and is suited to an individual who wants to remain hands-on in science while guiding a small expert team.
The Head of will be responsible for defining and driving scale-up strategies for mammalian and microbial processes, ensuring robust transfer from development scale to large-scale manufacturing. The position will also own the continued development of a proprietary scale-up model and help shape the future direction of modeling tools and methodologies. This is a highly technical leadership opportunity for someone with strong expertise in bioreactor scale-up, engineering principles, and process modeling, combined with the ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and external customers.
Role Scope
This position will lead a small specialist team currently consisting of approximately 2.5 FTEs, within a broader upstream process development group of around 26–28 professionals. The team supports complex biologics programs and plays a critical role in translating laboratory processes into scalable and manufacturable operations. The role reports to the Director of Process Science and is expected to contribute both to current project delivery and to the future growth of the scale-up modeling capability. As demand increases, the team is expected to expand further. This is not a large people-management role. It is best suited to a technically driven leader who wants to spend the majority of their time on scientific and engineering challenges while also mentoring and aligning a small team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and provide technical direction to a specialized team focused on upstream process scale-up modeling
- Define and execute the strategy for the company’s proprietary scale-up model
- Drive the continued development and modernization of the modeling platform, including transition from Excel/VBA to Python
- Act as the key decision-maker for the modeling team and unify technical approaches across projects
- Serve as a subject matter expert on customer programs involving process transfer and scale-up
- Support successful scale-up from small-scale development systems to large-scale bioreactors up to 20,000L
- Provide expertise in bioreactor characterization, mixing strategies, gassing strategies, and engineering fundamentals relevant to process scale-up
- Interface directly with customers and present, explain, and defend modeling strategies and conclusions
- Collaborate with internal technical teams to support robust process development and transfer
- Supervise, coach, and develop team members
- Help create technical alignment within an international team with different scientific perspectives
- Contribute to the future expansion of the modeling capability across a broader global network
Technical Focus
This role requires strong theoretical and practical understanding of upstream process scale-up and modeling. The successful candidate will be expected to bring expertise in:
- Mammalian and/or microbial process development
- Bioreactor scale-up principles
- Bioreactor characterization
- Mixing and gassing strategies
- Hydrodynamics and mass transfer
- Process modeling and simulation, including CFD or similar approaches
- Mathematical and engineering equations underlying bioprocess scale-up
- Translation of development processes into large-scale manufacturing settings
The role requires someone who can move comfortably between scientific depth, engineering logic, and practical application in a project-driven environment.
Required Qualifications
Education
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, life sciences, or a related field
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development involving mammalian and/or microbial cell cultures (must have!)
Deep understanding of process scaling principles and bioreactor engineering
Hands-on experience with process modeling
Strong knowledge of the mathematical principles behind scale-up and modeling
Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, R, or MATLAB
Ability to provide technical direction in complex development programs (can be taught)
Preferred
Experience with Python, especially in relation to technical tool development or migration
Previous customer-facing experience
Experience in a CDMO or similarly complex multi-product environment
Prior leadership or team management experience
Bioreactor Scale-Up & Upstream Modeling position employer: Black Swans Exist
Join a leading global biologics manufacturing organisation in Denmark, where you will have the opportunity to lead a specialised team in Bioreactor Scale-Up and Upstream Modeling. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values technical expertise and innovation, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on hands-on scientific challenges and mentorship, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field while enjoying the unique benefits of living in Denmark.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bioreactor Scale-Up & Upstream Modeling position
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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We think you need these skills to ace Bioreactor Scale-Up & Upstream Modeling position
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Black Swans Exist that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Black Swans Exist.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Black Swans Exist does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Black Swans Exist
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Black Swans Exist. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Black Swans Exist's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Black Swans Exist. This shows your passion for the industry!
