Biotechnologist

Scientist I – Bioprocessing x2

Darlington (National Biologics Manufacturing Centre) | On-site | £26,939 – £34,939

About the Role:

We are seeking two Scientists (Bioprocessing) to join our National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington.

This is a unique cross-team role designed to give early-career scientists end-to-end exposure across biologics process development, including Upstream (USP), Downstream (DSP), and Analytical functions.

This is a great opportunity to work across teams — building a broad understanding of how biologics are developed, processed, and characterised.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a well-rounded skillset across the full bioprocessing pipeline, working on a variety of modalities including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, mRNA, and viral vectors.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Cross-Team Bioprocessing Support

• Support projects across:
• Upstream processing (cell culture, fermentation)
• Downstream processing (purification, chromatography)
• Analytical testing and characterisation
• Rotate across teams or work on integrated projects spanning multiple areas

Upstream & Downstream Activities

• Assist with cell culture and/or fermentation processes
• Support purification processes including chromatography, filtration, and buffer exchange
• Contribute to scale-up and process development activities

Analytical & Data

• Support basic analytical testing to monitor product quality and process performance
• Compile and interpret data, contributing to reports and project deliverables
• Ensure accurate documentation and data integrity

Collaboration & Project Delivery

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation
• Contribute to delivery of multiple concurrent projects
• Support external-facing programmes, including communicating results to stakeholders

Laboratory & Operational Support

• Maintain laboratory equipment and support general lab operations
• Perform routine checks, calibrations, and housekeeping activities

About You

You are an early-career scientist or recent graduate with a strong interest in biologics and a desire to build a broad technical foundation.

You’ll bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline
• Basic understanding of one or more of the following:
• Cell culture / upstream processing
• Protein purification / downstream processing
• Analytical techniques (e.g. ELISA, qPCR, chromatography)
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• Good communication skills, with confidence presenting data

Desirable (but not essential):

• Hands-on experience in bioprocessing or biologics (USP, DSP, or analytical)
• Exposure to laboratory environments or academic research projects
• Interest in developing across multiple technical areas rather than specialising early

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Wants to gain end-to-end understanding of biologics development
• Is flexible and happy to work across teams
• Is motivated, curious, and keen to develop in a fast-paced environment

Why Join?

• Unique opportunity to build experience across USP, DSP, and Analytical in one role
• Exposure to cutting-edge biologics and advanced therapies
• Strong foundation for long-term career development in bioprocessing
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Competitive salary (£26.9k–£34.9k)

Location & Working Pattern

• Based on-site in Darlington (Nigel Perry Building)
• Fully lab-based role with hands-on experimental work

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their career to gain breadth of experience that is difficult to access elsewhere , building a strong foundation across the full biologics value chain while working on impactful, real-world projects.

Unfortunately we aren't taking any applications from candidates who will require sponsorship now or in the future for these roles.