Process Development Scientist/Protein Scientist
Based at: Norwich Research Park
Contract type: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £25,000 - £33,000
About Us
Leaf Expression Systems (Leaf) is a contract research and development organisation working to serve the global Life Sciences (human and animal health) industries by producing high value, safe proteins, and biomolecules in our unique plant-based system. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of plant-based expression and production technologies, with an expert team focused on delivering quality products for our clients.

The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to join our team as a Protein Scientist, primarily undertaking process development activities. This is a great role for someone looking to become part of an already successful company who will support the team as the company grows.

You’ll be working at our state-of-the art Norwich based facility and your primary role as a Process Development Scientist will be to support the Downstream Process Development Team in the purification and characterisation of high value plant-expressed proteins. This will involve performing established procedures and developing new protein extraction and purification processes.

The role will be responsible for applying a variety of techniques (FPLC (ÄKTA)), micro and ultrafiltration, SDS-PAGE/western blot, biophysical analysis and biochemical assays) to deliver research and non-clinical grade products to high specifications for both internal and commercial customer projects.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities
1. Work independently and with other members of the Leaf team to deliver process development projects to agreed milestones and timelines.
2. Perform, develop and optimise methods for purification of target proteins from plant tissue. Apply techniques such as filtration and FPLC, at small and large scale, to ensure process scalability, reproducibility and commercial viability of products.
3. Perform finished product analytical testing, write standard operating procedures (SOPs), and undertake technology transfer activities.
4. Ensure that technological advances are taken into consideration in downstream processing activities by keeping abreast of the literature and attending conferences. Present work in the form of posters, talks and webinars.
5. Support the Principal Scientist by providing ongoing training and support to junior team members and technicians.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and you may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties compatible with your experience and competencies. This description may vary from time to time to reflect changing business requirements.

Principal Relationships
1. Accountable to: Principal Scientist, Process Development
2. Internal: Leaf Operational Team
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
1. BSc/MSc degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology or an associated life science.

2. Minimum 2 years practical experience in the research, development and scale-up of protein purification using techniques including fast protein liquid chromatography, micro and ultrafiltration, SDS-PAGE and western blotting.
3. Hands-on experience of performing protein characterisation using biochemical and/or biophysical assays.
4. A team player with excellent problem-solving skills, good scientific judgement and communication skills with a methodical and open-minded approach to dealing with challenges.

Desirable
1. PhD in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology or an associated life science.
2. Industry experience of downstream processing within a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment, contract research or contract manufacturing organization.
3. Experience of using the ÄKTA system and Unicorn software or similar.
4. Knowledge of plant-based expression systems.

Eligibility
All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.