Upstream Process Lead - Biotech

Your new companyHays Life Sciences have partnered with an innovative synthetic biology company dedicated to revolutionising drug delivery. Their cutting-edge technology utilises novel approaches to deliver therapeutic payloads with ultra-high precision. This breakthrough approach aims to transform how biological medicines are administered, offering targeted and efficient solutions.With recent investments, they are at a pivotal stage of growth. Joining their team now means contributing to the clinical application of the technology and shaping its future impact.Their leadership team comprises experts with extensive experience in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, supported by a network of seasoned advisors.Your new roleYou will be part of a dynamic team of scientists, working collaboratively on a variety of R&D projects to further develop the company's technology, reporting into the senior leadership of the company.As part of the core R&D team, this role will work across internal and external projects, liaising with CDMO partners and other collaborators.Joining as a senior member of the team you will have a strong input into both research strategy and technical work, with the potential to take on leadership/management of a small group of scientists for the right person. As this is a small biotech there is a strong bench work element to this role.Major responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Act as a scientific expert - both in terms of technical input and wider scientific strategy - for internal team members and the senior leadership team
• Lead the development and optimisation of microbial fermentation processes from concept to early-stage development
• Optimise conditions for fed-batch fermentation to maximise biomass and product yields
• Troubleshoot technical issues in the fermentation process
• Oversee upstream process discussions with both internal and external stakeholders/partners
• Take the lead on tech transfer / bioprocess transfer to CDMO partners
• Collaborate with external technology experts to enhance the upstream process
• Work with internal platform development and downstream processing teams to ensure smooth transfer of information and materials
• Conduct small-scale expressions and optimise yields to support production miniaturisation
• Mentor, support and lead a small team within process development

What you'll need to succeed

• An advanced degree (PhD preferred) or equivalent experience in biology / biotechnology / bioengineering / biochemistry or a similar field
• Strong track record of developing upstream processes, preferably within a biotech / pharma industry setting
• Excellent understanding of bioreactors, ideally from working with both batch and continuous mode operations
• Significant experience with a variety of biochemical and analytical techniques, eg protein purification using AKTA, HPLC / size exclusion chromatography
• A deep knowledge of recombinant protein expression within bacterial cells, eg e.coli
• Experience working with CROs and/or managing external collaborations with partners in academia or industry
• Passion for the work and an aptitude for problem solving
• Strong communication skills, as you will be working closely in a tight-knit cross-functional team
• A flexible approach, with the ability to manage concurrent projects/workstreams with competing timelines

Experience of supervising or managing staff (either direct line management or in a matrix set-up) would be an advantage for this role but is not required: What you'll get in returnThe chance to work on a range of cutting edge projects for a really exciting company, as well as the ability to directly influence the discovery and development of therapies that will make a real difference to patients.You'll be joining the company as they go into their next growth phase, so there will be chances to further develop your skills and career and directly input into research strategy, especially as you will be working directly with the C-suite leaders of the company.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call me on .If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career, especially as there are a number of other bioinformatics, data science and statistics positions available.

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