Head of Bioproduction

Location: Saint Ives, Cambridgeshire

Company: Sense is a rapidly growing venture-capital backed company that has developed an entirely new class of diagnostic product – an instrument-free molecular test. The Company’s Veros products combine the superior performance of laboratory testing with the proven market benefits of disposable tests. Sense’s first product VerosTM COVID-19 is a simple disposable test that uses a nasal swab sample to give an ultra-rapid result without the need for any instrumentation. As a molecular test it exploits the Gold Standard chemistry of laboratory tests but is easy to use in any setting and thus will enable widespread decentralised testing for COVID-19. Sense has ambitious plans to grow from its strong foundations and become a leader in this exciting new segment of the diagnostics industry. Sense is currently expanding its biomanufacturing capabilities and is seeking an experienced Head of Bioproduction to lead its activities in this area.

The Role and Responsibilities: Sense currently has an opportunity for an experienced and motivated Head of Bioproduction to lead the expansion of its biomanufacturing operations to ensure the Company is able to realise its ambitious goals for product growth.
The role will include the following key responsibilities:
• Lead the Company’s biomanufacturing operations for the routine supply of the bioreagents for Company’s diagnostic products.
• Oversee the establishment, commissioning and maintenance of appropriate facilities and equipment to deliver product in accordance with the Company’s quality management system.
• Recruit and manage bioproduction scientists and technicians responsible for routine production activities.
• Liaise with the Molecular Development team to transfer into manufacturing the processes for routine production of bioreagents for use in the Company’s products.
• Develop and maintain work instructions for bioproduction processes in accordance with the company’s quality management system.
• Oversee the routine operation of the Company’s bioproduction activities, in accordance with all applicable procedures and work instructions.
• Implement a process of continuous improvement to enhance the efficiency and output of the Company’s bioproduction operations.

Applicant: This is a senior role and the candidates are expected to have significant prior experience in the biomanufacturing or bioprocessing industry. The successful candidate will work closely with the Company’s Director of Manufacturing & Operations, Head of Molecular Development and the wider leadership team. Experience working for a company in the IVD field is advantageous but not essential.

The ideal candidate will be a pragmatic scientific leader with demonstrable management experience in a production environment who also has the communication and management skills to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery. Experience of GMP in a relevant industry is essential and experience of working within an ISO 13485 compliant system for medical device development and manufacture would be a strong advantage. Strong IT, writing and interpersonal skills are required to ensure effective communication with the molecular development and manufacturing teams. More broadly, we are looking for a team player with the initiative, flexibility, drive and enthusiasm to achieve goals and exceed expectations in a dynamic start-up environment.

Job Type: Full-time.