Cell Culture / Expression Scientist – Antibody Cell Line Sciences
Location: Slough (Fully Onsite)
Rate: £22.40 per hour (PAYE) / £30.81 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 12 Months (Ajax)
Schedule: Weekend working required – maximum 1 in 4 weekends
Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Cell Culture / Expression Scientist to join the Antibody Cell Line Sciences sub-team, part of the Antibody and Novel Therapeutics Group. The successful candidate will contribute to host cell line establishment, engineering, and the generation of stable mammalian cell lines to support the development and manufacturing of UCB therapeutics.
Primary Purpose / Regulatory Responsibilities
* Establish and develop a toolbox of host cell lines for therapeutic manufacturing.
* Ensure host systems are suitable for expressing diverse molecule types and compliant with GMP manufacturing requirements, supported by rigorous documentation.
* Communicate scientific progress clearly across teams, highlighting issues, risks, and opportunities, and proposing practical solutions.
* Apply multiple host-engineering and genome-editing techniques in close collaboration with engineering and molecular biology groups.
* Contribute strong lab-based scientific expertise to support successful project outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Generate and optimize stable mammalian cell lines for protein expression.
* Conduct cell line engineering using technologies such as CRISPR-mediated editing.
* Analyse expression and engineering data to drive decision-making and project progression.
* Perform essential molecular biology techniques (e.g., ddPCR, cloning, plasmid construction).
* Execute flow cytometry/FACS, single-cell cloning, and related workflows.
* Maintain meticulous documentation, including electronic lab notebooks (eLNs).
* Contribute to scientific reports and cross-functional updates.
* Use relevant lab and IT systems, including Office tools, SnapGene/Geneious, and literature/patent search tools.
Required Skills & Experience
* BSc minimum in a relevant scientific discipline.
* Industry experience generating stable cell lines for antibody or novel biologic expression.
* Proficiency in genome-engineering technologies, particularly CRISPR.
* Strong data analysis skills with the ability to draw clear scientific conclusions.
* Competence in key molecular biology methods (ddPCR, cloning).
* Hands-on experience with flow cytometry/FACS and single-cell cloning platforms.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong scientific writing ability, including preparation of structured technical reports.
* High standards of accuracy in documentation and record‑keeping.
* Working knowledge of lab and IT platforms including eLNs, molecular biology software, and search tools.