Downstream Processing (DSP) 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.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a driven Downstream processing (DSP) Scientist to join our dynamic, collaborative group.

This role will help us strengthen our route to commercialization, enabling scalable production of peptides and proteins with non-standard amino acids from our proprietary recoded strain of E. coli: Syn61.

The platform has broad potential applications in new biologics therapies and beyond.

This role involves technical process development and ensuring communication between commercial and scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale‑up downstream microbial bioprocesses for a range of recombinant therapeutic proteins and peptides.
• Use various protein analytical techniques to assess quality and stability.
• Plan and conduct experiments for process optimization, characterization 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 bioprocessing 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, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Demonstrated project delivery in a relevant industrial setting. Experience in a GMP environment is a plus.
• Experience developing scalable downstream processes for high cell density microbial broth via cell disruption, centrifugation, filtration.
• Experience with protein purification techniques, including chromatography (HPLC, FPLC, etc.) and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Understanding of protein biochemistry and structural biology.
• Familiarity with protein analytical techniques such as SDS‑PAGE, Western Blot, etc.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, good oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with high cell density fermentation for E. coli in bench‑top bioreactors.
• Experience with HPLC/LC‑MS characterization of peptides.
• Experience with design of experiment (DOE) methodology.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (Qb D) principles.
• Familiarity with DOE and other statistical techniques.
• Previous experience with tech transfer and scale‑up processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements associated with biopharmaceutical process development.

Benefits

• 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.

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

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.

Constructive Bio operates a dog‑friendly office.

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