Senior Scientist (Large-Scale Purification) - 12-month FTC
| Posting date: | 10 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 April 2026 |
| Location: | Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 0AA |
| Company: | Astrazeneca |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | R-247678_1773148457 |
Summary
Job Title: Senior Scientist (Large-Scale Purification) - 12-month FTC
Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits!
Introduction to the Role:
At AstraZeneca, we believe in the potential of our people, and you'll develop beyond what you thought possible. We make the most of your skills and passion by actively supporting you to see what you can achieve no matter where you start with us.
Be part of the Cambridge Research Support and Scale‑up Team, within the Biopharmaceutical Development Department, a cross‑functional group focusing on upstream protein expression, bioreactor operations, and downstream purification. We generate recombinant proteins and novel therapeutic modalities to support internal programs across all stages of drug development. Our team is also responsible for the development and implementation of exciting new technologies around mammalian protein expression, bioreactor processing, product capture, polishing, and formulation of proteins and other therapeutic modalities. This role focuses on downstream purification at large-scale.
Main Responsibilities/Requirements:
Having a hands-on laboratory role as part of a cross-functional team and being responsible for:
- Primary clarification using disk stack centrifuge and depth filters of bioreactors from 50-500L
- Recombinant protein purification using Bioprocess and AKTA pilot scale systems
- Development of polishing steps for purity enrichment
- Detailed production at scale prior to clinical manufacture
- Ultrafiltration / Diafiltration using bench and pilot scale systems
- Product and process characterization using SEC-HPLC, UV-VIS, Osmolarity device and other techniques
- Contributing to technology development projects to further develop in-house technologies
- Record all experiments accurately, clearly and in a timely fashion; prepare data summaries and appropriate reports according to project requirements and meeting required timelines.
- Presentation of data at informal group meetings for discussion and at departmental meetings.
- Actively contributing to the scientific direction of Biopharmaceutical Development (BPD) / Drug Substance Development Department.
- Implement and promote AstraZeneca's health and safety practices including the regulations governing COSHH, biological agents and genetically modified organisms as detailed in the relevant risk assessments.
Additional Responsibilities
You will play a significant role in supporting Tox supply activities and pilot scale for primary clarification, purification, and formulation of proteins. In addition, you will be involved in further development and improvement of the latest technologies. Liaising with both local and global colleagues across the business.
Essential Requirements:
Qualifications
- Relevant university degree (e.g., BSc/MSc/PhD) in Life Science, Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, with relevant industrial experience desirable.
Knowledge/Skills
You must have experience in:
- Technical and practical understanding of Protein purifications at 50-500L scale
- The use of Centrifuge and POD filtration as well as Bioprocess and AKTA pilot and associated software
Desirable Requirements:
Knowledge/Skills
- Experience of HPLC
- Experience of batch records
- Process filter sizing
- Experience large scale Tangential Flow Filtration
- Large scale column packing
- Experience in the use of data science and AI/ML tools for data analysis (DoE / foundation and agentbased AI assistants)
Behavioural competencies
- An adaptable team player and leader capable of working to tight deadlines and exacting standards.
- Enthusiastic, flexible and willing to learn.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills
- Good organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to effectively troubleshoot.
- Maintain good and consistent working relationships with all other members of the team and other AstraZeneca employees.
Why AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca is a science-led, global biopharmaceutical company, with a focused portfolio in core therapies. At AstraZeneca we turn ideas into life changing medicines. We are committed to improving the health and lives of people across the globe, through our research and development platform, and a growing late-stage pipeline. Working in over 100 countries, we have strength in emerging markets, and our medicines are used by millions of patients and clinicians worldwide. Working here means being results-oriented and working together to make the impossible a reality.
Here you will apply cutting-edge biophysics, automation, and AI-enabled analytics to help transform the future of cancer treatment. We unite decisive, science-driven teams who act fast on smart risks, speak up, and challenge convention-always guided by evidence. With a deep pipeline and unparalleled data, you will collaborate with diverse experts, learn across disciplines, and see your work directly influence how new medicines move forward. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we bring unexpected teams together to unleash bold thinking that turns complex problems into meaningful progress for patients.
Where can I find out more?
Our Social Media,
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