Principal Scientist (2‑Year Contract)
Location: Jealott’s Hill, Bracknell
Contract Length: 2 years
Pay Rate: £23.89 per hour
Industry: Leading AgriTech and Chemical Research Organisation
We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join a world‑class research team at the Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge discovery, process development, and biotechnology innovation within a leading science‑based organisation.
This two‑year contract role will see you working within a multidisciplinary environment, supporting key programmes that drive the advancement of agricultural and biological sciences.
About the Role
As a Principal Scientist, you will be responsible for shaping and directing upstream process development strategies. Your work will influence a wide range of research activities and contribute to improvements across multiple scientific projects.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading upstream process development for recombinant protein production.
* Providing scientific leadership and mentorship to project teams.
* Translating expression optimisation from shake flask formats into bioreactors.
* Designing and improving expression methods to maximise protein quality.
* Investigating how expression conditions affect protein quality attributes.
* Collaborating across functional teams to deliver data‑driven process improvements.
* Ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.
Essential Experience
* Post‑Doctoral (or equivalent) background in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related disciplines.
* 8+ years’ experience in upstream bioprocessing.
* Strong expertise in recombinant protein expression (bacterial, insect, yeast, or plant systems).
* Hands‑on experience with bioreactors and scaling processes from shake flask to reactor.
* Good understanding of protein purification techniques.
* Proven troubleshooting and innovative problem‑solving abilities.
* Understanding of how upstream decisions impact downstream processing.
* Strong communication skills and ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
Desirable Experience
* Knowledge of construct design and its impact on expression.
* Experience applying AI or computational tools to experimental design.
* Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches.
* Experience with Ambr250 micro‑bioreactor systems.
* Background in protein characterisation.
* Experience with scalable bioprocess technologies such as TFF.
* Industry experience within Biopharma, AgriTech, or related sectors.