Lead Scientist (Characterisation)

Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. An exciting opportunity for an ambitious Lead Scientist with significant and proven experience in a range of protein characterisation methods (e.g. RP, SEC, icIEF) as well as LC–MS/MS for analysis of protein primary structure, size and charge variants and PTMs to join our outstanding team at Lonza, based in Slough (UK). This role is pivotal to our ongoing success and growth.

As a leading member of our laboratory team, you will be responsible for planning and execution of analytical testing on therapeutic proteins to support product characterisation, biocomparability and other appropriate studies to meet the regulatory needs of our customers. You will collaborate with peers across teams to ensure meticulous execution of projects and lead improvements to our standard ways of working. This role offers an outstanding chance to input into significant scientific advancements.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead major or complex work/projects simultaneously; ensuring scientific objectives and timelines are met and provide leadership to junior team members through expert scientific knowledge.
• Communicate with external customers to demonstrate Lonza’s scientific credibility and grow relationships.
• Actively develop methodology for analytical separation and characterisation of biotherapeutic proteins, with key focus on MS-based techniques.
• Develop approaches to improve work efficiency, provide support for non-standard molecules and maintain offerings in line with industry and regulatory expectations.
• Provide support and encourage development of MS users and system owners.
• Execution of assigned assays with a focus on safety, quality, timeliness, and accuracy adhering to regulatory requirements, where appropriate.
• Complete and peer review laboratory documentation.
• Perform technical review of assays to support reference standard and biochemical comparability studies ensuring results reported are scientifically sound and generated in line with current regulatory guidance and expectations.
• Maintenance of analytical equipment, technologies and/or systems required to support characterisation stages.
• Deliver practical training and actively participate in scientific discussions.

Key requirements:

• Practical experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterisation such as liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
• Theoretical knowledge of protein chemistry and regulatory requirements applicable to performing characterisation and biochemical comparability studies.
• Capability to critically analyse data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team to ensure business, regulatory and customer needs are met.
• Proven track record of being able to develop the skills of junior colleagues, particularly with respect to providing guidance and training in the use of LC-MS techniques.
• Excellent communication skills for customer interactions and training.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Dedication to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest scientific and regulatory advancements.

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world.