Principal Scientist

Cambridge, United Kingdom

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to contribute to the development and optimization of our biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This role will involve leading scientific projects, troubleshooting complex issues, and driving innovation within a dynamic R&D environment.

What you will get

• An agile dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace where you collaborate with senior stakeholders across a global organisation
• Meaningful work that enhances employee experience, operational excellence, and delivers lasting business impact
• Access to global benefits via

What you will do

• Lead, design and execute host cell engineering projects including gene integration and/or gene knockout, genotypic and phenotypic characterisation and vetcor design.
• Independently define and lead R&D projects, agreeing objectives, scope, deliverables, milestones and resource requirements with relevant stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and develop solutions that improve the performance and robustness of mammalian expression systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve mammalian host cell and expression system technologies, and develop innovative solutions that address business needs.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of scientists, setting clear expectations for experimental quality, documentation and delivery.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations and othe relavant teams to support technology evaluation, transfer and implementation.
• Maintain accurate and timely experimental records, and author and review technical reports, protocols and presentations.
• Stay current with relevant scientific advances, emerging technologies and the competitive and intellectual property landscape, using these insights to inform project direction.
• Present scientific findings and project recommendations to internal stakeholders and at external scientific meetings.

What we are looking for

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a related discipline, with 5+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience; or a Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Substantial theoretical and practical expertise in molecular biology and mammalian vector and/or host cell engineering, including approaches for gene integration and/or gene knockout.
• Relevant experience with gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas, and methods for genotypic and phenotypic characterisation, such as DNA/RNA sequencing, qPCR and flow cytometry.
• Practical experience in mammalian cell culture, including transfection, cell maintenance, single-cell isolation and cell line screening, with familiarity with automated screening and fed-batch culture.
• A demonstrated track record of leading complex scientific projects or substantial workstreams relevant to mammalian host cell or expression system development
• Strong experimental design, statistical analysis and data-interpretation skills, including Design of Experiments (DoE) where appropriate.
• Experience working across functions to transfer technologies and support their implementation or commercialisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex findings, communicate project risks and make clear recommendations.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and lead collaborative scientific work across teams.
• Experience in project leadership and line management would be an advantage.