Associate Scientist – Upstream Process Development
Roles: Full-time, permanent
Location: Harrow, London (5 days per week on site)
Salary: Competitive + bonus + benefits
**Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK - we cannot offer any form of sponsorship for this role**
The Role:
As we develop our new ‘Biopharma’ business unit at Accord, we’re seeking a proactive and methodical Research Scientist / Research Associate to join our growing Upstream Process Development team. You will support our cell culture operations (revival, subculture, cryopreservation, cell culture media preparation), optimising mammalian cell culture parameters through our Ambr250 bioreactors and other advanced process development equipment. Working across the clone lifecycle in the bioreactors, you’ll perform inoculation till harvest including daily monitoring activities and associated data analysis in-line with all quality and safety requirements.
To ensure the best results, you’ll undertake regular data analysis (such as cell density, viability parameters, metabolite analysis, etc.) from advanced process development equipment and troubleshoot technical activities. To support the smooth running of the department, you will complete COSHH, risk assessment and peer review lab documentation and maintain equipment-specific SOPs. Design of Experiments will be routinely performed for process development activities, producing data summary and progress reports, along with participating in safety inspections, stock checks and maintaining our ‘state of the art’ machines. In this exciting role, you’ll get the opportunity to learn and work collaboratively with the different workstream teams (in the UK and with our colleagues abroad from our established Biopharma unit at Intas Pharmaceuticals) and to grow with the team to support our ambitious growth plans.
The Person:
- Experience in a similar Research Scientist / Research Associate role within the biopharma / biotech / contract research labs sector, with good technical experience in automated bioreactors for mammalian cell culture (e.g. Ambr250/small scale bioreactors).
- Conduct upstream process development activities including seed train expansion, production bioreactor operations (shake flask, spinner flask, Ambr250, benchtop bioreactors).
- Prepare and document media, feeds, buffers, and supplements accurately and in a timely manner.
- Monitor batch performance by regularly recording parameters (VCD, viability, metabolites, pH, DO, etc.) and responding to deviations or unexpected trends.
- Set up, operate, clean, and maintain cell culture equipment including incubators, bioreactors, and analytical tools.
- Able to execute cell culture activities such as media/ feed preparations, Ambr/ Bioreactor maintenance, daily monitoring independently
- Proficient in mammalian cell culture techniques (e.g., CHO, HEK) in shake flasks, Ambr250, and small-scale bioreactors.
- Experience in daily monitoring and primary recovery of bioreactors.
- Good knowledge of GLP and understanding of GMP requirements.
- Good understanding of therapeutic antibody / protein quality attributes.
- Good IT and data analysis skills, including use of Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and biopharma analysis software (e.g. Biopat process insights, MFCS, DoE software etc.)
- Excellent communication skills (written and spoken English), confident working with colleagues of all seniority levels and able to navigate cultural differences with ease.
- Proactive and agile team player, but equally comfortable working on own initiative.
- Strong organisation skills, able to manage conflicting tasks to meet deadlines and to solve problems on your feet, even in a busy and changeable work environment.
- Degree / Masters / PhD level qualification in a Biological Science or technical scientific discipline.
The Rewards:
In return, we offer a competitive salary package (with bonus, holiday and pension scheme), and a range of other benefits to support our team. Not to mention the opportunity to be part of a new department within a progressive and expanding business with increasing global reach, and the support of ongoing training and development.
How to Apply
If you possess the experience, passion and ability to make this role a success then we would like to hear from you. Please complete your Candidate Profile on our careers site to apply for this role. For more information, you can contact us on: careers@accord-healthcare.com