Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D Centre Research and Development, Orion Pharma

Cambridge, United Kingdom (On-site)

Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D UK Centre (Cambridge), Research and Development, Orion Pharma

The Antibody Purification and Analytics group is a core part of the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Centre, responsible for supporting the discovery and development of next-generation biologics, including multispecific antibodies, antigens, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-Ts, from early research through clinical development.

Orion Pharma has newly established a Biologics Research & Development Centre in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Centre represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Centre’s mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.

The Biologics R&D Centre complements Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).

Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.

We are seeking a highly motivated Purification Research Associate to establish and support Orion Pharma’s purification platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for downstream analytics, functional testing, and eventually clinical development.

Your responsibilities include the following:

Execute purification protocols for recombinant antibodies, antigens, ADC and CAR-T components using techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G/L, IMAC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange (IEX), multimodal chromatography (MMC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).

Support the development and optimisation of purification workflows, including buffer preparation and method troubleshooting.

Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records by documenting purification conditions and observations in electronic lab notebooks, and ensure procedures are regularly updated and current.

Perform routine protein quality assessments using SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, HPLC, and other analytical tools.

Track and analyze experimental data to support interpretation and decision-making within the purification team.

Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including calibration of instruments, inventory management, and ensuring proper operation of purification equipment (e.g., ÄKTA systems).

Work collaboratively with colleagues across functions (Antibody Expression, Analytical, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, Functional Biology) to support project timelines and goals.

Participate in team meetings and discussions, sharing experimental results and contributing ideas to improve workflows and problem-solving.

Comply with all safety and quality standards, following internal SOPs and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.

This position will report to…