Research Fellow in Biopharmaceutical Process Analytics

About us

UCL Biochemical Engineering (UCL-BE) is a world leader in bioprocessing, where researchers harness cutting-edge facilities and industry partnerships to transform breakthroughs in biology into sustainable real-world innovations, and where exciting careers are launched. Lonza have been at the forefront of therapeutic protein manufacture in mammalian cells since the early 1980s and are one of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturing organisations. We seek highly motivated researchers to form a team to bring a new bioprocess optimisation paradigm of autonomous navigation into being.

About the role

Next generation biopharmaceuticals are increasingly complex, making them more potent but harder to produce. Bringing such discoveries to patients requires careful evaluation and optimisation of manufacturing. We have identified an opportunity to combine continuous microfluidic (µF) process models, process analytical techn ology (PAT) and machine learning (ML) to achieve a paradigm shift in bioprocess optimisation across modalities and throughout the process. We will realise three prototypes for (i) protein aggregation (safety), (ii) protein refolding (therapeutic activity), and (iii) culture medium optimisation (cost-effectiveness). Expected benefits include shorter time to clinic, better access to life-saving medicines, and enhanced sustainability. The project is co-led by UCL-BE and Lonza, and funded for three years. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join this ambitious Prosperity Partnership between UCL and Lonza and to work as part of a cross-disciplinary team across both sites (London and Slough). This role will develop optical biophysics modules that can be used in-line with microfluidic systems for evaluating protein refolding, aggregation, and native content in biopharmaceutical formulations. The postholder will lead on technical development of optical systems, asso ciated data analysis, and integration into high-throughput experimental workflows to accelerate process formulation selection for biopharmaceuticals manufacturing. The role will include leading industrial feasibility studies with Lonza to demonstrate impact. This role is funded for 24 months in the first instance, with potential for extension.

About you

You will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline such as biochemical engineering, optical physics, protein biophysics, analytical chemistry or related field. You will bring expertise in optical (bio)physics, particularly in the design and build of optical systems for measurement. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams and institutions. Experience in protein chemistry or formulation would be desirable though not essential. A commitment to UCL’s values and to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.

What we offer

We also offer some great benefits, visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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