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- Tasks: Lead innovative scientific projects and mentor a team of scientists in R&D.
- Company: Join Lonza, a global leader in life sciences with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Agile career growth, inclusive workplace, and competitive compensation packages.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing vector engineering and developing breakthrough therapies.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in relevant field and significant experience in R&D environments.
- Other info: Diverse and dynamic environment with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
As a Principal Scientist and Team Lead, you will play a key role in advancing Lonza’s Vector Engineering R&D capabilities, leading innovative scientific projects and developing people, while contributing hands‑on expertise in recombinant protein production and mammalian cell culture.
What you will get:
- An agile career and dynamic working culture.
- An inclusive and ethical workplace.
- Compensation programs that recognise high performance.
- A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.
What you will do:
- Provide technical leadership to R&D project teams, ensuring effective planning, timely execution, and successful delivery of milestones.
- Lead and develop a small team of scientists through coaching, mentoring, and day‑to‑day scientific guidance.
- Design, execute, analyse, and approve experimental work to generate high‑quality data and documentation.
- Collaborate closely with cross‑functional R&D teams to deliver improvements and solutions in recombinant protein production.
- Maintain hands‑on laboratory involvement for at least 40% of the role, supporting experimental excellence.
- Contribute scientific content to internal reports, manuscripts, meetings, and conferences.
- Build and manage productive relationships with internal and external partners to support innovation and technology development.
What we are looking for:
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in applied research and/or industrial R&D environments.
- Strong technical expertise in molecular and synthetic biology, recombinant protein expression, and mammalian cell culture (including CHO and HEK293).
- Proven experience leading scientific teams, with the ability to communicate effectively across different levels and disciplines.
- Demonstrated success in driving ideas from concept through stakeholder alignment to delivery.
- Experience working in cross‑functional settings to support technology transfer and commercialisation.
- A consistent record of delivering high‑quality scientific outcomes on time.
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. Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.
Principal Scientist and Team Lead in Cambridge employer: Lonza
Contact Detail:
Lonza Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist and Team Lead in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to recombinant protein production and team management. Show them you’re not just a scientist, but a leader who can drive projects forward!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific projects where you’ve been involved in experimental work. We want to see how you’ve contributed to scientific excellence in the lab.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Lonza. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist and Team Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Scientist and Team Lead role. Highlight your expertise in molecular biology and any leadership experience you've had, as we want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about recombinant protein production and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, make sure to highlight your experience in coaching and mentoring others. We love to see examples of how you've successfully guided teams through challenges and delivered high-quality results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lonza
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of molecular biology, recombinant protein production, and mammalian cell culture. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and projects you've worked on, as this will show your hands-on expertise and technical leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, and be ready to explain how you foster collaboration and innovation within your team.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Lonza values teamwork across different disciplines. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with diverse teams in the past, and be ready to share examples of how you’ve contributed to technology transfer and commercialisation efforts.
✨Align with Lonza's Values
Familiarise yourself with Lonza’s core values: Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss this during the interview to demonstrate your fit within their culture.
