Associate Process Development Scientist, Downstream

Vacancy Name Associate Process Development Scientist, Downstream
Vacancy No VN644
Employment Type Full Time
Location of role Oxford, UK
Department CMC
Key Responsibilities To conduct experimental investigations to drive the downstream process development of emerging drug candidates, supportive reagents and successful establishment of production processes for manufacturing and clinical development. Protein purification is core to this role, requiring an understanding of protein characteristics to utilise column chromatography and separation techniques along with analytical assessments of purity, using methods such as SDS-PAGE and HPLC. The job requires a strong team player capable of following instructions with a drive for learning and developing knowledge and experience in downstream process development. Robust record-keeping and regular reporting of results are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – ALL SCIENTISTS

• Conducting experiments, observing, interpreting, and responding to results.
• Following experimental protocols and writing reports
• Maintaining and increasing technical knowledge in relevant fields through self-study, observation and attending relevant conferences or training courses.
• Maintaining accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebook on time, following company procedures.
• Ensuring laboratory equipment is operated in accordance with safety and risk guidelines, acting promptly to report any faults or problems.
• Operating in accordance with the Company’s Health and Safety policies, especially within a laboratory environment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Experiments: running pre-established experimental investigations, with guidance from line managers, a mentor or colleagues. Reviewing data with line manager or colleagues before next steps.
• Priorities: working to agreed experimental priorities and deadlines; raising issues or concerns with managers or colleagues so that these can be addressed
• Technical knowledge: actively developing own knowledge, drawing on the experience of others and self-learning
• Laboratory records: ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard, checking with a mentor or colleagues if unsure
• Laboratory equipment: attending training on the use of technical instruments, using equipment appropriately, correctly and tidily; owning and maintaining assigned items of equipment
• Reporting: communicating and presenting research findings at meetings with colleagues and line manager. Regular reporting on progress of work verbally and in writing. Protocols and reports to be written and reviewed to meet the Immunocore Quality system.
• Health & Safety: compliance with all H&S requirements, attending appropriate training programmes

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential
• Operated in a bench-based microbial or mammalian expression, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical or bio-pharmaceutical laboratory environment with experience or familiarity in these areas:
– Protein purification
– Routine microbial culture operations
– Aseptic techniques
– Basic protein biochemistry and/or molecular biology
– Competent in the safe use of general laboratory equipment
• Recorded results and information in a concise, accurate and timely way, and in compliance with agreed standards
• Learnt about new practices through observation, self-learning and an enquiring mind
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment

Desirable
• AKTA purifications and method design
• Molecular biology skills
• Biophysical characterisation of proteins
• Mammalian expression
• An awareness of cGMP and biopharmaceutical manufacturing requirements
• DoE experience
• Able to interpret results with minimum guidance
• Proficient in general laboratory analysis software
• Implemented or influenced best lab practice
• Worked in an industrial/biotechnology laboratory environment

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Essential: GCSE in mathematics, English and science
• Desirable: BSc. or MSc. In protein engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline