Lead Analytical Scientist - Mass Spectrometry in Slough

Join Lonza as a Lead Analytical Scientist and play a key role in the analytical characterisation of therapeutic proteins. Based in Slough, you will lead complex scientific projects, develop and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods, and use your expertise in mass spectrometry and protein characterisation to support product characterisation, biocomparability and regulatory studies. Please note: practical mass spectrometry experience is essential for this role. Candidates without hands‑on LC-MS/MS experience will not be considered. This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.

What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• The opportunity to work with advanced analytical technologies and contribute to complex biotherapeutic characterisation programmes.
• Opportunities to lead scientific projects, mentor colleagues and develop expertise across protein characterisation and mass spectrometry.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.

What you will do:

• Lead complex analytical projects from scientific planning through execution, ensuring objectives, timelines, quality and regulatory expectations are met.
• Develop, optimise and troubleshoot analytical methods for therapeutic proteins, with a particular focus on LC-MS/MS-based characterisation, alongside techniques such as RP, SEC and icIEF.
• Apply mass spectrometry to investigate protein primary structure, molecular size, charge variants and post‑translational modifications, interpreting complex datasets to generate scientifically robust conclusions.
• Provide technical leadership, training and practical support to scientists and system users, particularly in the application and troubleshooting of LC-MS techniques.
• Perform and technically review analytical testing supporting product characterisation, reference standards and biochemical comparability studies, ensuring results are scientifically sound and appropriately documented.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external customers, communicating scientific findings clearly and demonstrating Lonza’s expertise in analytical characterisation.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing more efficient approaches, supporting non‑standard molecules, contributing to root cause investigations and maintaining analytical capabilities in line with industry and regulatory expectations.

What we are looking for:

• Significant hands‑on experience with mass spectrometry, particularly LC-MS/MS, applied to protein or biotherapeutic characterisation. This is a non‑negotiable requirement.
• Proven practical experience developing, validating, optimising and troubleshooting analytical methods for proteins, including LC‑based techniques such as RP and SEC; experience with capillary electrophoresis/icIEF is highly desirable.
• Experience using LC-MS/MS to characterise protein primary structure, size, charge variants and/or post‑translational modifications, with the ability to critically assess and interpret MS data.
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry and the regulatory expectations relevant to therapeutic protein characterisation and biochemical comparability studies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex scientific projects, investigate technical problems and perform effective root cause analysis while maintaining high standards of quality and scientific integrity.
• Proven experience mentoring, training or developing junior scientists, particularly in the practical use of LC‑MS and analytical characterisation techniques.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the confidence to contribute to scientific discussions, guide project teams and communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders.

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of. Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.