Scientist/Senior Scientist

Lonza

Cambridge, United Kingdom

The role:

The role involves the execution of research projects/studies supporting the improvement of Lonza’s technology or process development. This is an 80-90% lab-based role and involves participation in projects centred around improved expression and product quality of biologics like standard monoclonal antibodies as well as new molecular formats. You will also gain experience working with innovative instruments including automated liquid handlers and custom workflows for cell line development.

Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract position and candidates must be able to start ASAP!

Key responsibilities:

Planning of experiments within well-defined project scopes and timelines;
Collate, analyse, evaluate and sign off data to produce good-quality information and records;
Vector designing and cloning to generate new plasmid expression systems for more efficient expression;
Testing of novel plasmid systems in a transient and stable context including high-level expression of complex biological molecules in fed-batch experiments;
Working in teams and communicating scientific data in meetings;
Ensuring clean and health & safety compliant working conditions in laboratories.

Key requirements:

Bachelors/Master's degree with prior experience in cell line development/vector engineering preferably in the mammalian context;
Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as vector designing, plasmid prep, cloning- Golden Gate Assembly, Gibson Cloning or equivalent etc.;
Proficiency in using software for vector development like SnapGene/Geneious etc. or equivalent;
Relevant mammalian cell culture techniques- transient transfections/stable cell lines/pools and fed-batch culture;
Prior experience in the evaluation of cell lines by flow cytometry/FACS;
Prior experience of sample preparation for plate-based assays;
Excellent record keeping, familiarity with following SOPs, writing electronic notebooks and attention to detail;
Hand-on experience with CHO cell culture will be very advantageous;
Previous experience working in High throughput miniature systems such as Deep well plates;
Basic understanding of Gene Expression eg. Replication, Transcription, Translation;
Basic understanding of biologics eg. Monoclonal antibody structure.