At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support automated lab platforms, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality data.
- Company: Join a leading biopharmaceutical company with a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive compensation, and a dynamic career path.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biopharmaceuticals while collaborating with top scientists and advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in Life Sciences; hands-on lab experience and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Slough, United Kingdom
What you will do:
- Provide technical support and operational oversight for automated laboratory platforms used across multiple scientific teams.
- Ensure reliable day‑to‑day operation of automation systems through troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and coordination of maintenance activities.
- Execute and support routine analytical workflows, including plate‑based impurity assays such as ELISA, delivering high‑quality and reproducible data.
- Perform and support protein purification workflows that enable downstream analytical and development activities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing robustness, throughput, efficiency, and reproducibility of laboratory workflows.
- Collaborate closely with scientists, group leaders, and stakeholders across Protein and Process Analytics to support project delivery and operational excellence.
- Act as a key technical point of contact, sharing knowledge, resolving issues, and contributing to best practices across the team.
We offer flexibility to work remotely for no more than 20% of your time, on a case‑by‑case basis.
What we are looking for:
- MSc in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomanufacturing, or a related scientific discipline; PhD preferred.
- Strong hands‑on laboratory experience within an analytical, bioprocess, or biopharmaceutical environment.
- Experience working with laboratory automation platforms and/or liquid handling systems.
- Knowledge of plate‑based analytical assays, such as ELISA or related techniques.
- Experience with, or exposure to, protein purification workflows.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot technical and operational challenges effectively.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work successfully in a fast‑paced, high‑throughput environment.
What you will get:
- An agile career and dynamic working culture.
- An inclusive and ethical workplace.
- Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
- A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.
- Opportunities to work with advanced automation technologies and analytical platforms.
- Exposure to cross‑functional scientific teams supporting innovative biopharmaceutical programs.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Lead Scientist in Slough employer: Lonza Group Ltd.
At Lonza, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic working culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Slough location provides access to advanced automation technologies and analytical platforms, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have opportunities to develop your skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. With flexible working options and a focus on high performance, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace for our Lead Scientists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Scientist in Slough
✨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 Lonza Group Ltd.. 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 Lonza Group Ltd.!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Scientist in Slough
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 Lonza Group Ltd. 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 Lonza Group Ltd..
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 Lonza Group Ltd. 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 Lonza Group Ltd.
✨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 Lonza Group Ltd.. 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 Lonza Group Ltd.'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 Lonza Group Ltd.. This shows your passion for the industry!
