Associate Scientist Research Scientist – Upstream Process Sciences

Are you ready to make a groundbreaking impact in the world of biotechnology? Join a growing company that’s shaping the future of healthcare research.

R&D Partners is seeking a talented and motivated Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to support upstream process development for biologic and strengthen our clients’ Drug Substance Process Sciences team. You will contribute to early-stage process development, process optimisation, technology transfer, and manufacturing support activities. This is a laboratory-based role offering exposure to advanced cell culture technologies, high-throughput platforms, and bioreactor systems ranging from microscale to pilot scale.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.

Responsibilities:
Process Development & Laboratory Operations

• Design, plan, and execute upstream process development studies with minimal supervision.
• Apply QbD and DoE approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
• Perform mammalian cell culture experiments using shake flasks, Ambr® systems, and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Support scale-up, scalability assessments, process troubleshooting, and technology transfer activities.
• Utilise automation and high-throughput technologies to improve workflow efficiency.
• Contribute to evaluation of emerging technologies and platform improvements.

Data Analysis & Scientific Communication

• Analyse and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Generate accurate, high-quality scientific data and documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, presentations, and project summaries.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development, Manufacturing and external partners.
• Represent Upstream Process Sciences in cross-functional project teams.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, GMP/GSP, quality systems, and data integrity requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and laboratory best practice

Key Skills and Requirements:

• MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related discipline or BSc with relevant industrial experience.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and biologics process development.
• Hands-on experience with CHO cell culture and therapeutic protein production.
• Experience operating Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactor systems.
• Knowledge of cell culture scale-up principles and process characterisation.
• Experience applying DoE and statistical data analysis tools.
• Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with automation, digital tools, and data management systems.
• Understanding of GMP, data integrity, and quality requirements.
• Perfusion or ATF process experience.
• Technology transfer and manufacturing support experience.
• Exposure to downstream processing and integrated process development.

For more information, please contact Grant Van Schalkwyk.

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click ‘Apply’ or to speak to one of our specialists visit the ‘Contact Us’ page.

R&D Partners is a leading life sciences recruiter focused on finding exceptional people and matching them with the finest positions across the globe. R&D Partners is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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