At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HPLC method development and optimise chemical purification processes in a hands-on lab role.
- Company: Innovative biotechnology firm focused on sustainable solutions for chemical manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on exciting R&D projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in developing sustainable technologies while honing your analytical chemistry skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry and 3+ years of industrial experience in analytical chemistry required.
Are you an experienced analytical chemist with expertise in HPLC and a passion for developing scalable chemical purification processes? We're recruiting for a Downstream Process Development & Analytical Chemist to join an innovative biotechnology business developing sustainable solutions for the chemical manufacturing industry. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of downstream process development and reaction analytics, using your expertise to optimise chemical manufacturing processes, troubleshoot analytical challenges and support the development of cutting-edge biocatalytic technologies.
The Role
This is a hands-on laboratory role where you'll become the subject matter expert for HPLC, taking ownership of method development, troubleshooting, instrument maintenance and routine analysis. Alongside this, you'll lead the development of downstream processing (DSP) strategies for small molecule chemical products produced through biomanufacturing. This role focuses on chemical purification and process development rather than protein purification, making it ideal for someone with experience in industrial chemistry or chemical process development.
Working closely with chemists and engineers, you'll generate robust analytical data, develop scalable purification processes and help translate laboratory research into commercially viable manufacturing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the HPLC specialist, leading method development, troubleshooting, routine analysis, calibration and instrument maintenance.
- Develop and validate analytical methods using HPLC, alongside techniques such as NMR and UV-Vis.
- Design and optimise downstream processing routes for chemical products generated through biocatalytic manufacturing.
- Develop scalable purification processes including extraction, solvent exchange, crystallisation and polishing.
- Monitor reaction performance, conversion, selectivity, yield and impurity profiles.
- Build robust analytical workflows and maintain high standards of data quality, traceability and reporting.
- Investigate analytical and process issues, identifying root causes and implementing improvements.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support R&D projects and customer programmes while maintaining safe laboratory practices.
About You
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- A degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
- At least three years' industrial experience in analytical chemistry.
- Extensive hands-on experience with HPLC, including method development, troubleshooting, maintenance and routine operation.
- Experience supporting reaction monitoring and analysing complex chemical reaction mixtures.
- Practical experience in downstream processing and purification of small molecule chemicals, ideally within biomanufacturing, chemical manufacturing or process chemistry environments.
- An understanding that downstream processing in this role relates to chemical manufacturing rather than protein purification.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills.
If you're looking to apply your HPLC expertise and downstream processing experience in an innovative organisation developing sustainable technologies for the chemical manufacturing sector, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Downstream Process Development & Analytical Chemist in Oxford
✨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!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Cranleigh Scientific. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Cranleigh Scientific!
We think you need these skills to ace Downstream Process Development & Analytical Chemist in Oxford
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 Cranleigh Scientific 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 Cranleigh Scientific.
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 Cranleigh Scientific 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 Cranleigh Scientific
✨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 Cranleigh Scientific. 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 Cranleigh Scientific'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 Cranleigh Scientific. This shows your passion for the industry!
