At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a hands-on lab role developing innovative biologics and optimising processes.
- Company: Dynamic pharmaceutical company focused on cutting-edge bioprocess development.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and maintain high standards of compliance.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in bioprocess development and make a real impact in healthcare.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in relevant fields and hands-on experience with cell culture.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
A successful pharmaceutical company is looking for an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join its Drug Substance Process Sciences team and support the development of innovative biologics.
This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on upstream process development, optimisation and characterisation, with exposure to mammalian cell culture, high-throughput platforms and bioreactor systems from microscale through to pilot scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute upstream process development studies.
- Develop and optimise mammalian/CHO cell culture processes.
- Operate shake flasks, Ambr® systems and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
- Apply Do E and Qb D approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
- Support scale-up, troubleshooting, technology transfer and manufacturing activities.
- Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
- Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development and Manufacturing teams.
- Maintain high standards of GMP, data integrity, HSE and laboratory compliance.
About You
Essential
- BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline
- Hands-on experience with mammalian/CHO cell culture and biologics process development
- Experience with Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactors
- Understanding of cell culture scale-up and process characterisation
- Experience with Do E and statistical data analysis
- Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Desirable
- Perfusion or ATF experience
- Technology transfer or manufacturing support experience
- Exposure to downstream processing or integrated process development
This role is offered on an initial 12 month contract with realistic potential for extension.
Why Apply?
An excellent opportunity to develop your career within upstream bioprocess development, gaining hands-on experience across cell culture, bioreactor systems, process optimisation, scale-up and technology transfer within a successful pharmaceutical environment.
Keywords: Upstream Process Development | Bioprocessing | Mammalian Cell Culture | CHO | Bioreactors | Ambr | Process Characterisation | Scale-Up | Do E | Qb D | Perfusion | ATF | Biologics | Therapeutic Proteins | GMP | Pharmaceutical | Biopharmaceutical
Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences in Slough employer: VRS-UK
Join a leading pharmaceutical company that prioritises innovation and employee development in the heart of the bioprocessing industry. With a collaborative work culture, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on experience in upstream process development, while benefiting from opportunities for career growth and professional advancement. This role not only offers a chance to contribute to groundbreaking biologics but also fosters a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences in Slough
✨Get Familiar with Temporary Roles in Pharma
Temporary positions in the pharmaceutical industry often arise during specific periods, like product launches or seasonal hiring sprints. Keep an eye on timelines and be proactive in reaching out to companies, especially around these busy times!
✨Join Pharma Networking Events
Participate in local and virtual pharmaceutical networking events or job fairs. This is a fantastic way to get in front of hiring managers and learn more about temporary opportunities directly from those in the know.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’re a student or recent grad, tap into your university’s career services which often have specific connections to pharma companies looking to fill temporary roles. They might even have exclusive internship programmes that lead to temp jobs!
✨Be Visible Online and Offline
Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to share your interests in temporary roles and connect with industry professionals. Plus, consider writing about relevant pharmaceutical topics to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm—this can help you stand out to hiring companies like VRS-UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to showcase any relevant experience you have, whether it's internships, lab work, or coursework. Let’s emphasise your familiarity with drug development processes and any hands-on experience you've had with lab equipment or clinical trials in your CV.
Mention Certifications and Training:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to pharmaceuticals, like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or a certification in pharmacovigilance, make sure to include them. These show your commitment to the field and can make a positive impact on your application for a temporary role at VRS-UK.
Show Your Flexibility and Availability:Temporary positions often require immediate availability and flexibility in working hours. In your cover letter, make it clear when you can start and your ability to adapt to changing schedules, as this is key to a successful application.
Express Your Learning Goals:Since this is a temporary role, we suggest discussing what you hope to learn or gain from the experience at VRS-UK. This not only shows your eagerness but also helps employers see you as someone who’s ready to make the most out of the opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at VRS-UK
✨Know Your Regulations
In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s crucial to understand key regulations like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) or GCP (Good Clinical Practices). Brush up on these standards and be ready to discuss how they influence your work approach during your interview with VRS-UK.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, show that you're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly to new environments or changes, especially in a fast-paced setting like pharmaceuticals.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills and Tools
Whether it’s laboratory techniques or software like LabWare or SAS, make sure you can confidently talk about your technical skills. If you have experience with any specific tools used in previous roles, relate that directly to how it can help VRS-UK achieve its goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready for technical questions related to drug development processes or quality assurance. We should expect scenarios where you might have to troubleshoot a problem or suggest improvements on a project—this shows your problem-solving capability in a temporary role.
