Senior Analytical Scientist

Senior Analytical Scientistrequired for an exciting Biotech based in Stevenage who are in the process of scaling up from a start-up to an established Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing company. They have created a state-of-the-art platform which is the fastest, automated, instantly scalable platform for cell and gene therapy manufacture to help the commercialization and clinical translation of life-saving medicines. Their vision is to make advanced therapies more accessible and cost-effective for a broader patient base while significantly reducing development timelines.
 
The Senior Analytical Scientist will be essential for advancing the revolutionary bioprocessing platform and ensuring the technology enables low-cost and scalable cell and gene therapy production. They will lead a comprehensive analytical strategy (microscopy, cell viability, cell phenotyping, cell potency assays, gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, and cell metabolite analysis), to analyse data and present it to the wider team.
 
In addition to overseeing bioreactor analytics and validation, they will collaborate closely with the product team, providing crucial insights to tailor hardware and bioreactors for process development and cell therapy manufacturing.
 
Responsibilities for the Senior Analytical Scientist include:

• Lead and execute a multifaceted analytical strategy process and performance validation.
• Utilise a diverse range of analytical techniques to monitor and analyse critical parameters related to bioreactor performance.
• Design and implement validation protocols that specifically address the diverse analytical aspects of bioreactor performance.
• Generate, analyse, and interpret data obtained from bioreactor experiments, providing a holistic view of process performance and potential areas for optimisation.
• Maintain and calibrate a variety of analytical instruments, including those required for microscopy, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental work, validation protocols, and analytical methods, covering all aspects of bioreactor analytics.
• Prepare clear and concise reports summarising analytical findings and validation results for internal stakeholders and regulatory purposes.
• Collaborate closely with product engineering team to provide crucial process analytics insights to tailor hardware and bioreactor development.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in analytical methodologies to enhance the precision, accuracy, and efficiency of each analytical component.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in microscopy, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Provide training to team members on a broad spectrum of analytical techniques, including microscopy, flow cytometry, and gene expression analysis.

 
On offer for the candidate:

• A competitive salary which can be disclosed over the phone.
• A benefits package which includes discretionary bonus, share options and unlimited holiday.
• An inclusive culture where they promote expressing ideas for the company.
• Progression opportunities as they look to continue their growth plan.

 
 
The ideal Senior Analytical Scientist will possess strong hands-on experience in flow cytometry, PCR and experience working with assays. In particular, T-cells or iPSC. Experience with VCN would also be a strong advantage.

• A degree (BSc, M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in the development and application of a comprehensive suite of analytical methods, including microscopy, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, and metabolite analysis.
• Experience with Molecular Biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA, etc.
• Familiarity with validation protocols and regulatory requirements for cell therapies i.e. with immunological assays: phenotyping, cytotoxicity, activation, degranulation, depletion, cytokine detection, trans well migration.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in microscopy (holographic), Raman technologies, LC-MS, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to cross-functional teams.
• Experience with FlowJo and GraphPad Prism or similar