Senior Scientist in Slough

Senior Scientist, Process Development

The Senior Scientist will lead the development, optimisation, and scale-up of cell therapy manufacturing processes.

The role combines hands-on laboratory work with scientific leadership and CMC expertise, working cross-functionally with research, analytical, manufacturing, and external partners.

The successful candidate will contribute to process development strategies, technology transfer, manufacturing readiness, and the progression of processes through clinical development.

• Process Development & Scientific Leadership
• Lead process development experiments, optimisation activities, and data analysis across relevant cell and manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate and implement appropriate technologies and manufacturing approaches to support process development.
• Provide subject matter expertise across relevant CMC activities and contribute to technical and regulatory documentation.
• Apply scientific judgement to identify, investigate, and resolve process-related challenges.
• Technology Transfer & External Partners
• Support technology transfer to manufacturing partners and internal manufacturing teams.
• Provide technical support during process implementation, troubleshooting, and manufacturing activities.
• Work effectively with external laboratories, suppliers, and other technical partners.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with research, analytical, manufacturing, and development functions to translate early-stage processes into robust and scalable manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to project planning, scientific strategy, risk management, and process development activities.
• Represent Process Development in relevant project and scientific forums.
• Documentation & Quality
• Prepare and review development protocols, reports, SOPs, and technical and regulatory documentation.
• Maintain accurate and traceable experimental records in accordance with data integrity and quality requirements.
• Contribute to deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and other quality system activities as required.
• Promote high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
• Scientific & Technical Experience
• Ph D in a relevant life science discipline with 3+ years of relevant cell therapy/ATMP experience, or BSc/MSc with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Industry experience within biotech, pharma, or a related environment.
• Strong experience in cell therapy/ATMP process development, including cell culture, genetic modification, formulation, and processing.
• Good understanding of GMP/GLP and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Experience with process optimisation, including Qb D and statistical approaches such as Do E.
• Hands-on experience with closed or automated cell processing systems; scale-up/scale-out experience advantageous.
• Experience preparing technical, CMC, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience supporting technology transfer to manufacturing partners or GMP sites.
• Experience working with primary human cells and relevant analytical or functional assays.
• Familiarity with quality systems, including deviations, CAPAs, and change controls.
• Scientific & Problem-Solving Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw clear conclusions.
• Able to proactively identify and resolve scientific and technical challenges.
• Demonstrates sound scientific judgement when selecting methods and approaches.
• Able to communicate technical concepts clearly and support the development of colleagues through knowledge sharing and training.
• Experience contributing to regulatory submissions is advantageous.
• Planning & Communication
• Able to manage multiple priorities and experimental activities while delivering against agreed timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings to technical and broader audiences.
• Effective collaborator across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Professional Attributes
• Hands-on, proactive, accountable, and results-oriented.
• Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrates scientific integrity, sound judgement, and high standards of data quality.
• Committed to continuous learning, development, and high-quality scientific execution.
• Digital & Data Skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and visualisation tools such as Graph Pad Prism, JMP, or Flow Jo.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) systems.