Associate Principal Scientist – Upstream Process Development (Temporary Maternity Cover)

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About the role

Job Title: Associate Principal Scientist – Upstream Process Development (Temporary Maternity Cover) Introduction to role: Are you ready to lead upstream science that shapes robust, scalable biologics processes and accelerates medicines to patients? Based in Cambridge, UK, this temporary maternity-cover role ensures continuity and momentum for key programs by owning upstream mammalian cell culture process development through critical CMC stages. You will connect day-to-day experimentation with strategic delivery, translating cell culture insights into decisions that de-risk manufacturing and enable clinical supply. Working through matrix teams rather than direct line management, you will coordinate scientists, technicians and operators while partnering closely with analytical, formulation, engineering, manufacturing, quality and regulatory experts. In this role you will plan, execute and interpret CHO-based fed-batch and perfusion studies, drive process intensification and media/feed optimization, and guide scale-up and technology transfer to internal facilities and external partners. How will you apply data-driven methods and mechanistic understanding to define operating ranges that stand up in the plant? Accountabilities: • Scientific Leadership across CMC: Own upstream process development work packages across development cycles, maintaining delivery plans, milestones and governance commitments to keep programs on track. • Mammalian Cell Culture Design: Design, coordinate and interpret CHO-based inoculum, fed-batch and perfusion studies, including media and feed optimization and process intensification, to improve productivity and robustness. • Laboratory Execution Oversight: Plan and oversee high-throughput and bench-scale bioreactor work using ambr platforms and stirred-tank bioreactors, ensuring scientific rigor, traceable documentation, quality and agreed timelines. • Data-Driven Optimization: Apply mechanistic understanding, Design of Experiments, multivariate analysis and modelling to identify process drivers, define operating ranges, assess robustness and inform risk-based decisions. • Product and Process Insight: Integrate growth, viability, metabolism, productivity, product quality and stability data to draw authoritative conclusions and recommend next steps with clear evidence. • Systems Biology and Modelling Support: Contribute to multi-omics and metabolic modelling initiatives that inform media/feed strategies and process optimization where required. • Documentation and Governance: Lead preparation, review and approval of experimental plans, SOPs, data records, development reports, process descriptions and CMC documentation suitable for governance and regulatory submissions. • Cross-Functional Coordination: Represent upstream development on project and CMC teams, communicating progress, risks and recommendations while coordinating timely input from analytical, formulation, manufacturing, quality, regulatory and project management partners. • Scale-Up and Technology Transfer: Support transfers to internal manufacturing, CMOs and external partners, including authoring transfer packages, troubleshooting and on-the-floor manufacturing support. • Portfolio and External Management: Manage concurrent internal and external activities, balancing resources and scientific risk to maintain efficient portfolio delivery. • Mentoring and Matrix Leadership: Provide day-to-day technical guidance, training and coordination to less-experienced colleagues through matrix ways of working; no direct line management. • Platform and Operational Excellence: Drive laboratory operational excellence, evaluate equipment and technologies, champion digital record keeping and continuous improvement to sustain an effective upstream plat

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