At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug substance projects from preclinical to Phase 3, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, hybrid work, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong emphasis on innovation and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives through cutting-edge biological therapies.
- Qualifications: Master's or PhD in a scientific field with extensive experience in pharmaceutical development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Biological Project Leader in drug Substance (DS NBE DSPL) who is strategic, collaborative, and scientifically driven to join our team within Drug Substance Process Sciences, based at our UCB campus located in Slough, United Kingdom.
As a DS NBE Project Leader, you will play a key role in advancing biological drug substance development projects from preclinical stages through Phase 3. You will drive integrated Drug Substance strategies, lead multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts, and ensure projects are delivered with the highest standards of quality, compliance, and scientific excellence. You will act as the main Drug Substance representative within cross-functional development teams, helping to transform innovative science into therapies that make a meaningful difference for patients.
You will work closely with Drug Substance Biological Process Sciences experts, Clinical manufacturing, Technical Satellite Team (TST) members, CMC leaders, project managers, regulatory and quality specialists, and external partners. You will build strong collaborative relationships across departments and functions, ensuring effective communication, alignment on priorities, and successful execution of development strategies throughout the product lifecycle.
What you will do:
- You will lead one Drug Substance biologics development project from preclinical development through Phase 3 and support technical transfer.
- You will represent Drug Substance activities within cross-functional Technical Satellite Teams and key stakeholder forums.
- You will define and execute integrated Drug Substance development strategies aligned with overall CMC objectives.
- You will coordinate and empower subject matter experts to deliver project milestones on time and within budget.
- You will identify, communicate, and manage project risks while implementing effective mitigation strategies.
- You will provide scientific leadership, drive continuous improvement, and support regulatory submissions and product development activities.
Interested? For this role, we are looking for the following education, experience, and skills:
- Master's degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in CMC biological pharmaceutical development and process sciences.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in biologics upstream or downstream process development.
- Proven success leading complex projects and influencing teams in a matrix organization.
- Strong project management, risk management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Excellent English communication skills with the ability to simplify complex scientific concepts.
Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential. At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com.
Biological Project Leader in drug Substance in Reading employer: Ucb Group
UCB is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to push boundaries and create meaningful value for patients. Located in Slough, our hybrid-first approach allows for flexibility while working alongside experienced scientists in a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and career development. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and empowers you to make your mark in the biopharmaceutical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biological Project Leader in drug Substance in Reading
✨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!
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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 Ucb Group. 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 Ucb Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Biological Project Leader in drug Substance in Reading
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 Ucb Group 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 Ucb Group.
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 Ucb Group 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 Ucb Group
✨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 Ucb Group. 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 Ucb Group'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 Ucb Group. This shows your passion for the industry!
