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Senior Downstream Scientist, PR&D

Employer
Oxford BioMedica (UK) Limited
Location
Oxford
Salary
Competitive
Start date
28 Jun 2019
Closing date
28 Jul 2019

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Discipline
R & D , Scientific
Hours
Full Time
Contract Type
Permanent
Experience Level
Experienced (non-manager)

Job Details

Oxford BioMedica is a pioneer of gene and cell therapy and our work is helping to deliver life changing treatments.

Gene and cell therapy is the treatment of disease by the delivery of therapeutic DNA into a patient’s cells, providing long term and potentially curative treatments for a wide range of diseases. With the potential to transform medicine, the sector holds significant promise with the first commercial products now launched and others rapidly approaching the market.

Our recent successes are driving significant growth. As such, we are looking to recruit a Senior Downstream Scientist to join our Process R&D team.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

  • Performing process development studies for the purification of therapeutics for process understanding and characterisation
  • Involvement in activities ranging from vector purification, process optimization, technology transfer, and process validation activities associated with the purification of new gene therapy vectors
  • Executing routine chromatographic purification activities with affinity, size exclusion and ion exchange media using ÄKTA systems (Unicorn software)
  • Performing bench scale filtration experimentations such as sterile membrane filtration, depth filtration and tangential flow filtration
  • Performing high-throughput purification studies and applying DOE methods to separations and (pre)formulation activities
  • Developing novel purification processes as well as using standard methods to purify viral vectors
  • Performing, developing and optimising robust, efficient, scalable strategies for improving process performance; including small-scale studies and pilot scale purification studies
  • Analysing and interpreting data, and presenting/documenting the results at meetings. Generating reports and preparing scientific presentations as needed
  • Writing and revising SOPs and technical reports
  • Carrying out such other tasks as are required from time to time for the efficient running of the Company’s business upon request from your line manager or a Director of the Company

Key skills and requirements

  • A graduate (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant scientific discipline with exceptional downstream expertise
  • A sound understanding of basic purification principles and processes
  • Fluency in written and spoken English

In addition, desirable skills include:

  • Pharmaceutical industry experience in biological research and development or equivalent experience gained elsewhere
  • Hands-on experience with the operation of laboratory, pilot or production scale ÄKTA purification systems
  • Experience with cell culture

Person Specification

Candidates will be recognized experts in downstream processing including bioprocess design, protein expression and purification.  They will be primarily involved in purifying and characterizing a variety of therapeutic candidates in support of projects from early stage research to pre-clinical programs. 

PR&D works with our research teams involved in vector and cell engineering to ensure the seamless transfer of processes from research to manufacturing.  The scope of work may include, but are not limited to vector purification, novel purifications, purification process development and verification, technology assessment, data analysis and project reporting.  The individual must have a demonstrated ability to work independently and to manage multiple projects either through direct supervision or in collaboration with the programme team.  The individual must be innovative and creative, show initiative, collaborative ability and have good general science management skills.  Applicants are expected to have excellent time management skills, with the ability to adapt to rapid changes in projects priorities and meeting aggressive timelines.  The individual should also enjoy working in a team setting and be able to work well with both research scientists and as well as external collaborators.

About Process Research & Development

The Process R&D group has a core function within Manufacturing Development.  It consists of experienced scientists and engineers that have extensive expertise in all aspects of upstream and downstream development.  PR&D take processes from the laboratory “bench” scale and apply process expertise and engineering fundamentals for systematic evaluation, optimisation and understanding for delivery to Manufacturing. As the focus shifts towards delivering processes and materials to support our LentiVector® platform products through later-stage development and market supply, PR&D is well positioned to ensure our products are manufactured using processes that are scalable, robust and reproducible as well as commercially viable and regulatory compliant.

No agencies please

Company

Oxford Biomedica is a quality and innovation-led viral vector CDMO that enables its clients to deliver life-changing therapies to patients around the world. One of the original pioneers in cell and gene therapy, Oxford Biomedica has more than 25 years of experience in viral vectors, the driving force behind the majority of gene therapies.  

Cell and gene therapy is the treatment of disease by the delivery of therapeutic genetic material (DNA or RNA), into a patient’s cells. One highly effective approach to delivering genetic information is to re-engineer existing viruses to be safe delivery vehicles (vectors) to insert the genetic material into patients’ cells. This can be achieved either by directly administering the vector to the patient (often referred to as in vivo gene therapy), or by first introducing the genetic material to cells or tissue outside of the body, before administering the cells or tissue into the patient (often referred to as ex vivo gene therapy or gene-modified cell therapy).  

Oxford Biomedica collaborates with some of the world's most innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing viral vector development and manufacturing expertise in lentivirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors. Oxford Biomedica's world-class capabilities span from early-stage development to commercialisation. These capabilities are supported by robust quality-assurance systems, analytical methods and depth of regulatory expertise. 

Oxford Biomedica, a FTSE4Good constituent, is headquartered in Oxford, UK. It has locations across Oxfordshire, UK and near Boston, MA, US. Learn more at www.oxb.comwww.oxbsolutions.com, and follow us on LinkedInTwitter and YouTube

Life at Oxford Biomedica

We value everyone’s unique contribution, we appreciate everyone’s individuality, and every job matters.

Your contributions are recognised and appreciated. Your work-life balance matters. We recognise, develop and use your strengths. It’s a place where you are valued as a whole person, as an individual and as part of a team.

No matter who you are, or what you do, your work will make a significant difference.

We go the extra mile, every day, because we truly care. We work together as a team to achieve our life changing therapies. Our talented colleagues help to build other people’s futures, so can you. We empower each other to be our best.

We have access to like-minded scientists and engineers, working in the latest technologies.

Our community of experts create new life-saving cures. Shaping the business’ future through collaboration. Our people are on a continuous professional development journey aided by a thought-provoking environment. A place for experts to be stretched, and future experts to be nurtured. We inspire creativity and deliver great science, and so can you.

Our supportive culture invites talent, while creating future innovators.

We’ll give you a place where you can learn, grow and contribute to the future of cell and gene therapy. We create opportunities and invest in our people, promoting ongoing learning.  Our defined career pathways provide opportunities for everyone to achieve their career potential.  We make a difference, and so can you.

Company info
Website
Telephone
+44 (0) 1865 783 000
Location
Windrush Court
Transport Way
Oxford
OX4 6LT
United Kingdom

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