Job Description
Lead Scientist
Slough, UK
Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across five continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people.
In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.
An exciting opportunity for an ambitious Lead Scientist with significant and proven experience in a range of protein characterisation methods (e.g., RP, SEC, icIEF) as well as LC‑MS/MS for analysis of protein primary structure, size and charge variants, and PTMs to join our outstanding team at Lonza.
Based in Slough (UK), this role is pivotal to our ongoing success and growth. As a leading member of our laboratory team, you will be responsible for planning and executing analytical testing on therapeutic proteins to support product characterisation, biocompatibility, and other studies to meet regulatory needs.
You will collaborate with peers across teams to ensure meticulous execution of projects and lead improvements to our standard ways of working. This role offers an outstanding chance to contribute to significant scientific advancements.
Key responsibilities:
1. Lead major or complex projects simultaneously, ensuring scientific objectives and timelines are met, and provide leadership to junior team members through their expert scientific knowledge.
2. Communicate with external customers to demonstrate Lonza’s scientific credibility and grow relationships.
3. Develop methodologies for analytical separation and characterization of biotherapeutic proteins, with a focus on MS-based techniques.
4. Develop approaches to improve work efficiency, support non-standard molecules, and maintain offerings in line with industry and regulatory expectations.
5. Support and encourage the development of MS users and system owners.
6. Execute assigned assays focusing on safety, quality, timeliness, and accuracy, adhering to regulatory requirements where appropriate.
7. Complete and peer-review laboratory documentation.
8. Perform technical reviews of assays for reference standard and biochemical comparability studies, ensuring results are scientifically sound and compliant with current regulatory guidance.
9. Maintain analytical equipment, technologies, and systems supporting characterization stages.
10. Deliver practical training and participate in scientific discussions.
Key requirements:
1. Practical experience in developing and troubleshooting analytical methods for protein characterization, such as liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
2. Theoretical knowledge of protein chemistry and regulatory requirements for characterization and biochemical studies.
3. Ability to critically analyze data, interpret results, and lead root cause analyses.
4. Ability to work collaboratively to meet business, regulatory, and customer needs, leading project teams where appropriate.
5. Proven track record of developing junior colleagues’ skills, especially in LC-MS techniques.
6. Excellent communication skills for customer interactions and training.
7. Outstanding problem-solving skills with creative and strategic thinking.
8. Dedication to continuous learning and staying updated with scientific and regulatory advancements.
Every day, Lonza’s products and services positively impact millions of people. We value ethical achievement, respect, and environmental protection. We challenge and inspire our people to solve complex problems and develop new ideas in life sciences, offering the satisfaction of improving lives worldwide.
#J-18808-Ljbffr