Bioprocess Scientist in Cambridge

Who we are: Life, Reimagined Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our unique technology turns living cells into biofactories, creating sustainable new materials and therapeutics. With full control of the genetic sequence and code, we are exploring chemical space previously unreached by natural biology. Constructive Bio is a spin‑out from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Bioprocess Scientist to join our dynamic fermentation and process development team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge biotechnological research, combining technical expertise with creative problem‑solving in microbial cultivation, protein expression, and characterisation. You will play a key role in optimising and scaling up bioprocesses to produce recombinant proteins and peptides containing non‑canonical amino acids, with a focus on our proprietary recoded E. coli strain, Syn61. This work is central to our commercial roadmap, offering strong visibility across the company and clear opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Upstream Process Development: Design, execute, and optimise bench‑scale E. coli bioreactor experiments with strong process discipline, including AMBR250 experiments and 1‑10 L bioreactor experiments. Optimise fermentation conditions, including media, feeds, induction, oxygen transfer, temperature, pH, and control loops. Develop and scale up microbial cultures from flask‑based development to larger bioreactor formats. Develop and refine microbial growth and production media. Design and implement molecular cloning strategies for novel protein expression. Develop and scale processes for recombinant proteins, peptides, and biopolymers. Design and run structured optimisation experiments (DOE, characterisation studies). Troubleshoot biological and process deviations quickly. Communicate effectively with the genome synthesis and engineered translation teams and influence the development of our E. coli genetic chassis and molecular systems for non‑canonical amino acid incorporation in line with bioprocess needs. Manage cell bank maintenance and validation.
• Protein Production and Characterisation: Execute protein production and basic purification in bacterial systems (primarily E. coli). Perform routine protein characterisation using advanced analytical methods, including SDS‑PAGE and HPLC. Work closely with the downstream process scientists to ensure alignment between the upstream process and the analytical product profile.
• Documentation and Communication: Maintain clear batch records and process logs. Analyse results and present findings to cross‑functional teams with confidence. Support tech transfer and early‑scale manufacturing activities. Prepare internal reports, presentations, protocols, and technical documents.
• Broader Responsibilities: Stay current with new bioprocessing methods and technologies. Work safely and follow internal quality procedures. Ensure rigorous adherence to laboratory health and safety protocols.

Requirements:

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant protein expression experience, ideally with exposure to microbial fermentation techniques.
• Hands‑on experience running E. coli bioreactors.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular cloning techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver experimental work in a fast‑paced environment in industry.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering projects to completion.
• Clear commercial or industrial impact.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and manage several tracks of work at once.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Desirable Experience:

• High‑cell‑density E. coli fermentation at bench scale.
• Experience or familiarity with bioreactor systems and scale‑up procedures.
• DOE methodology and statistics for optimisation.
• Knowledge of Quality by Design (QbD) principles.
• Proven Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology skills.
• Experience with protein purification or analytics (SDS‑PAGE, chromatography, TFF).
• Experience with tech transfer or scale‑up.
• Industrial biotechnology background.
• Understanding of regulatory expectations around biopharmaceutical development.

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?

We are a small but rapidly growing team, with a vision to become the programmable biomolecules company and push the boundaries of what’s possible between biology and chemistry. As an early joiner, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape our trajectory and make real impact from day one. We offer:

• Newly fitted dedicated site in Whittlesford near Cambridge – on‑site parking and regular trains to Cambridge, London and Norwich.
• Competitive salary.
• Employee share option plan.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Private health insurance.
• Pension plan (matching up to 8%).
• Collaborative and pioneering environment, at the leading edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation.

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence. We are built on three principles: We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success. We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break molds. We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pet Policy: Please note that we work in a dog‑friendly office.