Contract - 6 months
About the Role
We are seeking a talented Downstream Scientist to join a Product Development team focused on the development and optimisation of biopharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing processes. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to take ownership of downstream process development activities, supporting projects from laboratory scale through to pilot plant delivery.
Working alongside experienced scientists, you will play a key role in executing experimental studies, analysing data, developing robust purification processes, and supporting the delivery of critical programme milestones.
Key Responsibilities
Process Development & Technical Delivery
- Design, plan and execute laboratory and pilot-scale downstream process development studies.
- Develop and optimise purification processes for biopharmaceutical and vaccine products.
- Perform hands-on downstream processing activities, including chromatography, filtration and centrifugation operations.
- Apply scientific and statistical approaches, including Design of Experiments (DoE), to support process optimisation and decision-making.
- Analyse and interpret complex experimental data to drive technical recommendations and project progression.
Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare high-quality technical reports and experimental documentation.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with GxP requirements and internal quality standards.
- Follow established health, safety and environmental procedures and Safe Systems of Work (SSoW).
- Maintain accurate records and ensure process knowledge is captured effectively.
Laboratory Operations
- Support the maintenance, qualification and readiness of downstream laboratory equipment.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external service providers to facilitate equipment servicing and maintenance activities.
- Promote high standards of laboratory organisation and housekeeping.
Collaboration & Communication
- Provide regular updates on scientific progress to project teams and stakeholders.
- Work closely with colleagues across development, manufacturing and technical functions to deliver project objectives.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and share technical learnings across the wider organisation.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or a related life sciences discipline.
- 1+ years of industry experience within biopharmaceutical process development, vaccine development, or biologics manufacturing.
- Practical experience in downstream purification techniques, including chromatography, filtration and/or centrifugation.
- A strong understanding of scientific data analysis and experimental design principles.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple activities in a fast-paced development environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Experience
Experience with any of the following would be advantageous:
- AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software
- Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)
- Depth filtration
- Process scale-up and pilot plant operations
- JMP statistical software
- GxP-regulated environments
Downstream Scientist employer: Proclinical Staffing
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Downstream Scientist, where you'll have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge biopharmaceutical and vaccine development in a collaborative environment. Our company fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, providing early-career scientists with hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, we prioritise employee well-being and offer a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and excellence in scientific research.
