Biologics Production Scientist

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Biologics Production Scientist to join the Biologics team in DevOps at our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London. The team makes and supplies the core protein and reagent components of the Portal platform and custom biologics for our R&D projects. It also develops and scales the processes behind them.

You will produce, purify and QC the proteins and reagents our platform and R&D programmes depend on, to a consistent, documented standard. As we move toward product launch, you will also optimise, automate (where appropriate) and scale these processes. This hands-on lab role suits someone who takes pride in making high-quality biological materials reliably, enjoys improving how they are made, and likes working closely with the scientists who use them.

Key Responsibilities:

Production, supply and process development

• Produce and purify recombinant proteins using a range of expression systems, including bacterial (e.g. E. coli), cell-free (IVTT) and other hosts where needed.

• Prepare buffers and reagents to defined specifications, and help implement and validate automated preparation.

• Supply R&D projects with proteins and reagents: scope requests, agree specifications and timelines, and help transfer successful candidates into routine production.

• Optimise and scale production processes across all biological components, including proteins, buffers and reagents, to improve yield, purity, consistency and turnaround.

• Troubleshoot production issues systematically and use the data to drive improvements.

• Balance platform supply and R&D priorities. Work closely with platform, chemistry, engineering and R&D colleagues.

Quality

• Run QC and release testing on proteins and buffers (e.g. SDS-PAGE, concentration, purity, activity assays, pH and conductivity), and help define specifications and acceptance criteria.

• Complete batch records, maintain traceability and support lot release within our eQMS.

• Write and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions and specifications, and contribute to deviations, CAPAs and change control.

Requirements:

• A BSc, MSc or equivalent industry experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, bio-engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline.

• Hands-on experience expressing and purifying recombinant proteins, ideally including E. coli systems.

• Experience with chromatographic purification (e.g. FPLC/ÄKTA, affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).

• Experience with QC or analytical characterisation of proteins and reagents.

• Experience working to documented procedures within a QMS, with careful record-keeping.

• A proven ability to troubleshoot and improve the robustness, yield or reproducibility of lab processes.

• Strong organisation and communication skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and work well with internal customers.

Portal is an equal opportunities employer. We are enriched by our diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and life experiences.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.