Job Specifications
This job is with AstraZeneca, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly. Job Title: Senior Scientist (Large-Scale Purification) - 12-month FTC
Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits!
Introduction To The Role
At AstraZeneca, we believe in the potential of our people, and you'll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to see what you can achieve no matter where you start with us.
Be part of the Cambridge Research Support and Scale‑up Team, within the Biopharmaceutical Development Department, a cross‑functional group focusing on upstream protein expression, bioreactor operations, and downstream purification. We generate recombinant proteins and novel therapeutic modalities to support internal programs across all stages of drug development. Our team is also responsible for the development and implementation of exciting new technologies around mammalian protein expression, bioreactor processing, product capture, polishing, and formulation of proteins and other therapeutic modalities. This role focuses on downstream purification at large-scale.
Main Responsibilities/Requirements
Having a hands-on laboratory role as part of a cross-functional team and being responsible for:
Primary clarification using disk stack centrifuge and depth filters of bioreactors from 50-500L
Recombinant protein purification using Bioprocess and AKTA pilot scale systems
Development of polishing steps for purity enrichment
Detailed production at scale prior to clinical manufacture
Ultrafiltration / Diafiltration using bench and pilot scale systems
Product and process characterization using SEC-HPLC, UV-VIS, Osmolarity device and other techniques
Contributing to technology development projects to further develop in-house technologies
Record all experiments accurately, clearly and in a timely fashion; prepare data summaries and appropriate reports according to project requirements and meeting required timelines.
Presentation of data at informal group meetings for discussion and at departmental meetings.
Actively contributing to the scientific direction of Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) / Drug Substance Development Department.
Implement and promote AstraZeneca's health and safety practices including the regulations governing COSHH, biological agents and genetically modified organisms as detailed in the relevant risk assessments.
Additional Responsibilities
You will play a significant role in supporting Tox supply activities and pilot scale for primary clarification, purification, and formulation of proteins. In addition, you will be involved in further development and improvement of the latest technologies. Liaising with both local and global colleagues across the business.
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
Relevant university degree (e.g., BSc/MSc/PhD) in Life Science, Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, with relevant industrial experience desirable.
Knowledge/Skills
You Must Have Experience In
Technical and practical understanding of Protein purifications at 50-500L scale
The use of Centrifuge and POD filtration as well as Bioprocess and AKTA pilot and associated software
Desirable Requirements
Knowledge/Skills
Experience of HPLC
Experience of batch records
Process filter sizing
Experience large scale Tangential Flow Filtration
Large scale column packing
Experience in the use of data science and AI/ML tools for data analysis (DoE / foundation and agentbased AI assistants)
Behavioural competencies
An adaptable team player and leader capable of working to tight deadlines and exacting standards.
Enthusiastic, flexible and willing to learn.
High level of attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills
Good organisational and planning skills.
Ability to effectively troubleshoot.
Maintain good and consistent working relationships with all other members of the team and other AstraZeneca employees.
Why AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a science-led, global biopharmaceutical company, with a focused portfolio in core therapies. At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines. We are committed to improving the health and lives of people across the globe, through our research and development platform, and a growing late-stage pipeline. Working in over 100 countries, we have strength in emerging markets, and our medicines are used by millions of patients and clinicians worldwide. Working here means being results-oriented and working together to make the impossible a reality.
Here you will apply cutting-edge biophysics, automation, and AI-enabled analytics to help transform the future of cancer treatment. We unite decisive, science-driven teams who act fast on smart risks, speak up, and challenge convention-always guided by evidence. With a deep pipeline and unparalleled data, you will collaborate wit
About the Company
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