At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to execute purification protocols and support biologics development.
- Company: Orion Pharma is a leading Nordic pharmaceutical company with a focus on innovative medicines.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team innovating future therapies in a vibrant biomedical ecosystem.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant life sciences with 2+ years industry experience or 4+ years academic research.
- Other info: Apply by August 22, 2025, and join a culture that values every voice.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Job Description
The Antibody Purification and Analytics group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Center whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development and launch.
Orion Pharma is establishing a new Biologics Research & Development Center in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Center represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Center\’s mission is to accelerate the company\’s biologics research and development efforts.
The Biologics R&D Center will complement Orion\’s existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion\’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).
Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company\’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.
We are seeking a highly motivated Purification Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to establish and support Orion Pharma\’s purification platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for downstream analytics, functional testing, and eventually clinical development.
Your responsibilities include the following:
- Execute purification protocols for recombinant antibodies, antigens, ADC and CAR-T components using techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G/L), ion exchange (IEX), SEC, and HIC.
- Support the development and optimisation of purification workflows, including buffer preparation and method troubleshooting.
- Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records by documenting purification conditions and observations in lab notebooks, and ensure SOPs are regularly updated and current.
- Perform routine protein quality assessments using SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, HPLC, and other analytical tools.
- Track and analyse purification data, helping to identify trends and support decision-making within the purification team.
- Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including calibration of instruments, inventory management, and ensuring proper operation of purification equipment (e.g., ΓKTA systems).
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across functions (Antibody Expression, Analytical, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, Functional Biology) to support project timelines and goals.
- Participate in team meetings and discussions, sharing experimental results and contributing ideas to improve workflows and problem-solving.
- Comply with all safety and quality standards, following internal SOPs and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.
This position will report to the Head of Antibody Purification and Analytics within Orion Pharma\’s iMeds/R&D organization.
Description of our organization
Orion Pharma\’s Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.
We offer
This opportunity is to contribute to development of manufacturing cell lines within the The Antibody Purification and Analytics team at our new location in Cambridge, UK; this will be a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic antibody scientist to help further establish and advance a stable CHO cell line generation technology while we build a state-of-the-art Biologics powerhouse within Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.
A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.
The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.
An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.
Our expectations:
A BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline, with relevant laboratory experience in industry (2+ years) or from academic research (4+ years).
- Hands-on experience in purification of antibodies and recombinant proteins, employing techniques such as Protein A/G/L affinity and ion exchange (IEX) chromatography, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).
- Familiarity with complex biologics such as bispecific or multispecific antibodies and ADC constructs is advantageous.
- Understanding of basic downstream processing principles and interest in learning about process development and developability assessment for biologics.
- General knowledge of antibody structure-function relationships and how they can affect purification and stability is desirable.
- Basic experience with protein characterisation techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, UV spectrophotometry, or HPLC; exposure to more advanced methods like CE-SDS, SEC-MALS, or LC-MS is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain detailed laboratory records, and contribute to data reporting and interpretation.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of lab safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.
How to apply and additional information
If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your cover letter and CV by August 22, 2025.
We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.
#LI-ORION
Unit description
Orion Pharma\’s Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.
About Us
Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.
We\’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we\’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.
Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.
We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.
About Orion #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Antibody Purification, R&D UK Center employer: Orion Corporation
Contact Detail:
Orion Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Antibody Purification, R&D UK Center
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques in antibody purification, especially those mentioned in the job description like affinity chromatography and ion exchange. Being able to discuss these methods confidently during interviews will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biologics field, particularly those who work in R&D or have experience with antibody purification. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous laboratory experiences in detail, focusing on how youβve contributed to team projects and problem-solving. Highlighting your teamwork and communication skills will resonate well with Orion Pharma's collaborative culture.
β¨Tip Number 4
Research Orion Pharmaβs current projects and their vision for the future of biologics. Being knowledgeable about their goals and how your skills can contribute to their mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Antibody Purification, R&D UK Center
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Research Associate/Senior Research Associate position. Highlight your relevant experience in antibody purification and any specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as affinity chromatography or ion exchange.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your hands-on experience with purification of antibodies and recombinant proteins. Include specific examples of projects where you used techniques like SEC or HIC, and mention any familiarity with complex biologics.
Detail Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to laboratory practices, such as maintaining detailed records and following SOPs. Mention your teamwork and communication abilities, as these are crucial for the collaborative environment at Orion Pharma.
Express Your Motivation: In both your cover letter and CV, convey your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to innovative biologics research. Discuss your interest in learning about process development and how you can add value to the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orion Corporation
β¨Know Your Techniques
Make sure you are well-versed in the purification techniques mentioned in the job description, such as affinity chromatography and ion exchange. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Orion Pharma values collaboration across functions. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting, particularly in cross-functional projects. Highlight any specific contributions you made that helped achieve project goals.
β¨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of maintaining accurate records and following SOPs, be prepared to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to mention specific instances where your attention to detail made a significant impact on a project.
β¨Express Your Passion for Biologics
Convey your enthusiasm for biologics research and development. Discuss any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in this field, and how you see yourself contributing to Orion's mission of advancing innovative therapies.