At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop innovative biologics and optimise upstream processes in a lab setting.
- Company: Leading biotech firm focused on cutting-edge drug development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the biotech field while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: MSc or BSc in relevant fields with experience in mammalian cell culture.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
About the Role
To strengthen our Drug Substance Process Sciences team, we are seeking a talented and motivated
Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to support upstream process development for biologics.
You will contribute to early-stage process development, process optimisation, technology transfer, and manufacturing support activities.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help develop scalable mammalian cell culture processes, perform process characterisation and troubleshooting studies, and support the delivery of innovative protein therapeutics.
This is a laboratory-based role offering exposure to advanced cell culture technologies, high-throughput platforms, and bioreactor systems ranging from microscale to pilot scale.
- Your Activities
- Process Development & Laboratory Operations
- Design, plan, and execute upstream process development studies with minimal supervision.
- Apply Qb D and Do E approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
- Perform mammalian cell culture experiments using shake flasks, Ambr® systems, and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
- Support scale-up, scalability assessments, process troubleshooting, and technology transfer activities.
- Utilise automation and high-throughput technologies to improve workflow efficiency.
- Contribute to evaluation of emerging technologies and platform improvements.
- Data Analysis & Scientific Communication
- Analyse and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical approaches.
- Generate accurate, high-quality scientific data and documentation.
- Prepare technical reports, protocols, presentations, and project summaries.
- Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.
- Collaboration & Compliance
- Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development, Manufacturing and external partners.
- Represent Upstream Process Sciences in cross-functional project teams.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Ensure compliance with HSE, GMP/GSP, quality systems, and data integrity requirements.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and laboratory best practices.
Requirements
- MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related discipline. or BSc with relevant industrial experience.
- Technical Skills & Experience
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologics process development.
- Hands-on experience with CHO cell culture and therapeutic protein production.
- Experience operating Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactor systems.
- Knowledge of cell culture scale-up principles and process characterisation.
- Experience applying Do E and statistical data analysis tools.
- Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Experience with automation, digital tools, and data management systems.
- Understanding of GMP, data integrity, and quality requirements.
- Advantageous
- Perfusion or ATF process experience.
- Technology transfer and manufacturing support experience.
- Exposure to downstream processing and integrated process development.
Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences in Slough employer: Next Link
Next Link is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and children affected by domestic abuse in Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, excellent training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values personal growth and community impact. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a flexible work environment and a focus on health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences 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 Next Link. 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 Next Link!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Scientist / Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences 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 Next Link 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 Next Link.
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 Next Link 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 Next Link
✨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 Next Link. 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 Next Link'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 Next Link. This shows your passion for the industry!
