Principal/ Senior Bioprocess Engineer
Achilles Therapeutics, United Kingdom
Job Description
Achilles Therapeutics is a high growth clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of T cell therapies targeting clonal neoantigens for the treatment of cancer. Originating from pioneering research at Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL), we use DNA sequencing data from each patient, together with our proprietary PELEUS bioinformatics platform, to identify clonal neoantigens specific to that patient. From this we develop personalised T cell therapies and currently have two programs in the clinic for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Metastatic Malignant Melanoma.
As a company we are a fast-paced and trailblazing. We are breaking new ground with our science, creating products that have never been made. As no-one has done what we are doing before, there is no playbook to copy. This means we must innovate, adapt and collaborate across our organisation, working together to solve novel problems. This entrepreneurial spirit and approach runs through our company and those who thrive here are able to cope with anything that is thrown at them, enjoy ambiguity and thrive on making things happen even when there is not a detailed brief. We work hard and deliver a lot.
This is a permanent position based in Hampstead, London
Role Summary:
We are seeking are bright, motivated and enthusiastic individual with experience in immunological cell culture and associated laboratory techniques.
You will report directly to the VP Bioprocessing, leading collaborative projects which will help to automate and scale our clinical manufacture process. You may also work closely with the Manufacturing and Process Development teams, translating and transforming investigative research-scale projects into GMP.
This is a unique opportunity to work with a leading team of scientists and engineers with an international reputation for excellence in immuno-oncology research and to become a key contributor to an exciting project designed to revolutionise the clinical management of cancer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Immunological cell culture
- Carry out immunoassays including multi-parameter flow cytometry and ELISpot
- Design, optimise and develop assays to characterise Achilles cNeT product
- Generate SOPs in accordance with existing standards
- Lead planning and execution of verification and validation activities
- Lead collaborative projects to automate clinical manufacture process
- Effectively communicate results, and implications, to technical and non-technical audiences
- Management and analysis of big data packages including DoE
Requirements
Essential Experience:
- PhD in Biochemical/ Bioprocess Engineering or Biotechnology. Other biological science degrees may be considered where paired with relevant experience.
- In-depth knowledge of immunology/ATMPs/Cell therapies
- Experience developing/translating bioprocesses suitable for GMP manufacture.
- Hands-on experience with closed-system bioreactors and/or devices for bioprocess automation and scale-up
- Multivariate analysis and DoE
- Demonstrable process development/ problem solving skills
- Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with both internal and external partner collaborative projects
Desirable Experience:
- Immunological cell culture and associated laboratory techniques
- Experience working with patient blood and tissue samples.
- Flexibility and competence in managing multiple, concurrent projects.
Benefits
At Achilles you will enjoy a flexible and dynamic working environment that fosters creativity, leadership and teamwork.
We offer benefits that include a competitive salary and performance related bonus, group pension plan matched up to 6%, life insurance, private medical insurance and an employee share incentive scheme.