Fermentation technologist; Secondment

Fermentation Technologist – 12 Months Secondment / FTC

Closing Date – 19th February 2026 (COB)

We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients’ needs and drive our performance.

Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it’s vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply.

We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

You will support and improve fermentation processes. You will work closely with colleagues in process development, manufacturing, quality, and engineering. We value curiosity, clear problem‑solving, and a hands‑on approach. This role offers chances to grow your technical skills, lead investigations, and help deliver medicines that make a real difference. Join us to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

• Operate and optimise fermentation processes from lab scale to production scale, following safety and quality standards.
• Plan, run and document fermentation trials, sampling strategies and process characterisation studies.
• Troubleshoot process deviations and lead root cause analyses with clear corrective actions.
• Analyse process and analytical data to identify trends and propose improvements.
• Support technology transfers, validation activities and protocol preparation for scale‑up.
• Work with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to maintain equipment, raw material quality and process robustness.

• Degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemical engineering or a related science, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with fermentation/bioreactor systems in a regulated manufacturing or industrial laboratory environment.
• Practical skills in aseptic technique, sterile sampling and bioprocess operation.
• Familiarity with process documentation and good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements.
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with process data and standard software tools (Excel, data capture systems).
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to work well in teams.

• Experience with scale‑up from development to commercial fermentation operations.
• Knowledge of downstream processing interfaces and key process parameters for biologics.
• Experience with process modelling, statistical tools or Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Familiarity with automation systems, SCADA or distributed control systems used in bioprocessing.
• Track record of leading investigations, change controls or corrective actions in a regulated setting.
• Awareness of sustainability considerations in biomanufacturing and process optimisation.

This role is full‑time on‑site in Irvine in the United Kingdom.

You will join a collaborative team focused on learning and continuous improvement. You will have opportunities to develop technical and leadership skills. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage people who bring different perspectives. If you are ready to apply your fermentation skills to meaningful work, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help us get ahead of disease together.

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive. We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with…