Isomerase is a UK based leading biotechnology contract research organisations specialising in synthetic biology, strain bioengineering, fermentation process development and scale-up. We work in partnership with global companies to research, develop and manufacture products such as life-saving new medicines and other novel microbially-derived natural products.
The Company is growing rapidly and has recently moved into a new HQ facility in Cambridge. As part of this exciting phase of growth, we are also looking to recruit a talented and enthusiastic Senior Scientist to join our Bioprocess team, or Project Leader for exceptional candidates. Working closely with highly experienced colleagues, you will be a key team member working hands on in the development, scale-up and technology transfer of a wide variety of microbial processes including the operation of upstream and downstream equipment at various scales, with a specific focus on DSP development. Previous experience working with fungal and bacterial fermentations in bioreactors is highly desirable.
We offer a competitive salary and a highly creative working environment.
Role location: Cambridge, Chesterford Research Park & Pampisford Solopark Industrial Estate
Core working hours: 8:30 to 5pm
The Role will involve:
• Leading experimental development of primary recovery processes using membrane filtration (direct flow, crossflow, HF)
• Leading experimental development of product purification and isolation techniques using chromatographic techniques (RP, IEX, HIC, SEC)
• Supporting the design and execution of high-quality research work at lab and pilot scale for the intensification (titre, productivity, yield) of microbial processes that produce natural products, enzymes and peptides
• Supervisory support of experimental planning and execution of lab-scale bioreactors and their use in process development
• Identification and integration of bioanalytical methods/assays that can monitor and quantify protein/peptide products
• Technoeconomic analysis of developed processes, understanding of the mass balance of bioproduction and product recovery with material costs
• Working with a wide variety of GMO and non-GMO microbial strains
• Identifying scale-up challenges and developing robust processes for transfer to manufacturing (industrial) scales
• Project leadership of client work, planning laboratory development and material generation activities, including the presentation of project performance and technical data at partner meetings
• Training other scientists and engineers
• Analysing data and presenting results to internal and external stakeholders
• Providing technical expertise in DSP for a variety of projects
• Supporting technical expertise in USP for a variety of projects
• Providing traceable records of lab work, experimental design and report writing
• Reviewing, writing and updating internal operating procedures and documents
• Maintenance and housekeeping to ensure a safe working environment
• Following and refining local codes of practice for bioprocessing including writing and reviewing related risk assessments
• Routine equipment maintenance
• Other related duties/responsibilities as required or assigned by the supervisor
About you
• You should hold a relevant science degree, a PhD or equivalent industry experience
• You have experience within process development, and have gained significant experience of downstream purification including membrane filtration and AKTA chromatography experiments for protein production and their purification
• Previous experience with process optimisation, specifically in core areas of primary recovery and chromatographic purification/isolation of proteins
• Ability to design and perform process development experiments with excellent data interpretation, drawing of conclusions and proposals for further work
• Working knowledge of design of experiment (DoE) tools for use in process development and analysis
• Previous experience in primary recovery applications and their method development i.e. microfiltration, ultrafiltration and resin treatment techniques
• An understanding of process analytical tools for collecting and analysing biological process data
• Line management experience with the ability to manage scientific resource and project work is desirable
• Understanding of enzyme kinetics and their use in biocatalytic reactions is desirable
• Understanding of peptide production and recovery methods is desirable
• Ability to author comprehensive and accurate SOPs and protocols/reports
• Ability to work across multiple projects, with excellent communication and reporting skills and be comfortable working as part of a diverse team
• Able to identify and develop new techniques and methodologies where necessary to support the business needs
• Subject matter expert on techniques for the purification of products from fermentation and their analysis
• In-depth understanding of experimental planning and execution of lab-scale bioreactors and support of upstream fermentation scientists
If you are interested in working to shape the future of a young and dynamic company and believe you have the skills and enthusiasm required then please forward a CV with a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role to: hr@isomerase.co.uk