Lead Scientist - Novel Biomolecule Process Development

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 spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. We secured $58 million Series A fundraising.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a driven Lead Scientist – Novel Biomolecule Process Development to join our dynamic, collaborative group. This role will help us strengthen our route to commercialisation, enabling the scalable production of peptides and proteins with non-standard amino acids from our proprietary recoded strain of E. coli: Syn61. This platform has broad potential applications in new biologics therapies and beyond. Besides technical process development, the role requires ensuring communication between commercial and scientific teams. This position plays a significant part in our operations and the broader bioprocessing field, with great opportunities for role advancement. The ideal candidate will have experience working with proteins, peptides and diverse chemistries with their associated purification and analytical workflows, a drive to progress innovative technologies, and an eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimise, and scale-up purification and processing strategies for a range of novel recombinant therapeutic proteins and peptides.
• Utilise various protein analytical techniques to assess quality & stability.
• Plan and conduct experiments for process optimisation, characterisation and quantification.
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing and assist with process validation activities.
• Contribute to the Technoeconomic assessment of Bioprocesses.
• Stay current with the latest peptide processing techniques and technologies.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with safety and quality system procedures.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, Biotechnology, or related field, PhD level candidate preferred.
• Demonstrated project delivery in a relevant industrial setting.
• Experience in a GMP environment is a plus.
• Experience developing purification and processing strategies for protein and peptide products, ideally for use in scalable production of therapeutics.
• Extensive experience in method development and characterization of Proteins & ideally, small peptides via LC/MS and HPLC.
• Experience purifying recombinant proteins via various chromatographic methods using AKTA systems (Primary capture, Ion-exchange, HIC).
• A track record of successfully transferring methods to external CRO/CMO suppliers for the execution of production methods and associated analytics at scale.
• The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and knowledge in peptide chemistry.
• Strong problem-solving skills, good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a matrix managed environment, effectively managing time across multiple projects.
• Understanding or technical experience with Solid-phase peptide synthesis.
• Experience developing methods for multiple step chemical modifications on peptides or small molecules for transfer to scalable operations.
• Experience with design of experiment (DOE) methodology.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD) principles.
• Familiarity with high cell density fermentation for E. coli in bench‑top bioreactors.
• Previous experience with tech transfer and scale‑up processes.
• Understanding and experience interacting with the regulatory environment for recombinantly produced therapeutic proteins (CMC).

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.
• Employee share option plan.
• 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 moulds.
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

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