Main Description
We are currently looking for highly motivated scientists to join the Biologics Process Sciences department at UCB’s UK Research and Development Hub in Slough. Working within the Piloting and Scale-up Sciences team, you will focus on upstream process technologies and will be part of a team of scientists developing processes for the production of novel protein-based therapeutics for areas of unmet patient need. You will be responsible for laboratory-based activities using a range of cutting-edge scientific technologies. You will receive training in all techniques and will have your own mentor to provide help and advice during your time at UCB. You will help to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines. This represents a great opportunity to work in industry-leading laboratories at the cutting edge of drug development.
| Qualifications Required | To be considered, applicants must have completed a degree in the following field;
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| Salary | £28,000 p.a. |
| Holiday Entitlement | 28 days p.a. plus bank holidays |
| Benefit | Pension Scheme – 5% Employee, 3% Employer Employee Assistance Programme Discounted Gym Membership Free Shuttle from Slough Train Station |
| Location | Slough (moving to Windlesham, Surrey late 2026) |
| Working Hours | Monday to Friday 9am – 5:30pm (1 hour Unpaid Lunch) |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Start Date | December 2024/ January 2025 |
| Interview Date | December 2024 |
| Closing Date for applications | 21st November 2024 |
| To apply | To apply, fill in your information in the online form below. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [email protected] for assistance. |
| Next Steps | Once the position has closed, shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one way video interview, you will have 3 days to complete it. This will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager along with your application form to decide who is brought through to the final interview. If you have any issues in applying, please contact us on [email protected] |
JOB DESCRIPTION
The candidate will work in a team environment, collaborating with various process scientists (upstream and downstream) and analytical scientists. The successful candidate will utilize knowledge in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology and cellular metabolism to aid in process development and optimization of a range of clinical projects, process troubleshooting investigations, evaluation of cellular responses to process operations, assessment of effects on product quality, and determination of process scalability.
The position is laboratory based and will involve experimentation with a range of bioreactors from bench to pilot scale, focussing on 200L single use bioreactors and associated disk stack centrifugation and pilot scale equipment. The candidate will apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles utilizing Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology and be responsible for some planning of activities, analysing laboratory data and reporting back to project leader/line manager and team members on a regular basis. The candidate will produce accurate, traceable records of work, generating documentation for experimental reports to support technology transfer and regulatory filings (Development and Technical Report writing in English).
The candidate will also be expected to contribute to scientific development and technology development projects requiring innovative research, in order to improve USP and primary recovery processes and understanding. The candidate will be a proactive individual, able to demonstrate problem solving skills and have the ability to manage multiple tasks, with excellent communication skills.
Personal Qualities
- Great communication skills
- Proven ability to work in a multi-functional team
- Great organisational skills and attention to detail
CAREER PROGRESSION
This role would suit a graduate with an aspiration to familiarise themselves with database and interface building. It could be a good entry point for someone with an interest in developing as a gene therapy scientist.
ABOUT COMPANY
UCB’s UK site is located Slough, Berkshire where it houses the immunology research hub and the head office for the UK commercial organisation. There are three buildings on the Slough site, housing around 600 staff.
Background:
- UCB was founded in 1928 and was originally a chemicals manufacturer with a separate pharmaceuticals division.
- In 2004, UCB acquired Celltech, the UK’s leading biotechnology company, which brought expertise in antibody-based drug discovery to the company.
- Schwarz Pharma was acquired in 2007, bringing its own portfolio of neurology and urology products
The research hub in Belgium concentrates on CNS therapies while the UK research focus is on immunology. Here, UCB is researching drugs for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and osteoporosis. The site is renowned for its capabilities in antibody-based drug discovery and early development
UCB now focuses on severe diseases within immunology and CNS
UCB is active in a number of therapy areas including epilepsy, movement disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and allergy.
UCB is a top five investor in UK pharmaceutical R&D*, investing over £230 million in 2010
Globally UCB invests more than 20% of its sales revenue into R&D
In the UK, UCB’s R&D, Commercial and Corporate functions are located in Slough, Berkshire
UCB employs around 800 staff in the UK, of whom about 400 are engaged in research and development activities
The company supplies over 40 UK-approved medicines.
ADDITONAL INFORMATION
Please ensure that you are willing and able to live within commutable distance of the company site before applying. This placement is located in Slough Cogent Skills Placements Service are managing the recruitment for this placement at our client’s request, therefore we ask that applications are made through our website please. Please do not contact the Company directly.
