Associate Scientist Upstream Process Development
| Posting date: | 11 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £170.0 to £190.0 per day |
| Additional salary information: | £180-190 per day |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 March 2026 |
| Location: | Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 4778493_1773224832 |
Summary
Your new company
You'll be joining a leading biopharmaceutical organisation advancing innovative medicines and technologies. You'll be part of a collaborative R&D environment focused on developing high‑quality, scalable processes.
Your new role
As an Associate Scientist in upstream process development, you will support the optimisation and scale‑up of microbial processes across lab‑ and pilot‑scale operations.
This is initially a 12 month contract that may extend and there will be some out of hours/weekend work involved in this role.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing microbial process optimisation and development experiments from 250 mL to 200 L scale
- Operating bioreactor and fermenter systems to support upstream development
- Documenting experiments, writing protocols, and updating procedures
- Analysing data and presenting results to managers and internal teams
- Working independently and collaboratively to deliver team objectives
- Maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment
- Developing technical expertise in microbial fermentation and primary isolation
- Supporting cross‑functional teams in recombinant protein and plasmid production
What you'll need to succeed
You should have:
- A BSc/BEng (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with upstream lab‑ or pilot‑scale microbial processes and associated control systems, especially around fermentation or cultivation of microbes / cells
- Hands‑on laboratory experience, ideally with E. coli
- Understanding of E. coli physiology is preferred but work with other microbial organisms or even mammalian cell lines is also acceptable
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Enthusiasm for developing new technical and soft skills
- The right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship until at least April 2027
What you'll get in return
The chance to build your skills and experience within a high performing and innovative biopharmaceutical company while working with a friendly and collaborative team.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Keywords: Process, Optimisation, Development, Upstream, Microbial, Expression, Scientist, Fermentation, Bioprocess, Bioreactor, Pilot, Scale, Antibody, Research, Laboratory, e.coli, Biotechnology, Biology, Engineering, Plasmid, Protein, Recombinant, Data, Analysis, Protocols, Fermenter, Cultivation, Microbiology, Scaling, Isolation