Downstream Chromatography & Protein Purification Scientist

Location:

Sci-Tech Daresbury, Cheshire

Start date:

As soon as possible

Contract:

Fixed term to 31 March 2027, with potential for continuation subject to funding Working pattern:
Full-time; part-time and flexible working arrangements will also be considered Salary:
Competitive and dependent on experience About Daresbury Proteins Daresbury Proteins is an innovative biotechnology company based at Sci-Tech Daresbury, specialising in the production of recombinant proteins using mammalian cell systems. Our work focuses particularly on proteins that are difficult to produce, including complex biologics, growth factors and cytokines. We develop both upstream expression and downstream purification solutions aimed at overcoming manufacturing bottlenecks that can prevent promising biological molecules progressing into research, development and therapeutic applications.

We work across internally led R&D programmes and collaborative projects with academic, industrial and international partners. The role We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Downstream Chromatography & Protein Purification Scientist with strong hands-on expertise in protein purification method development, optimisation and troubleshooting. The immediate focus of the role will be delivery of downstream activities within our ongoing Innovate UK Canada–UK collaborative project in biomanufacturing of biologics and advanced therapies , which runs until 31 March 2027 .

The successful candidate will also contribute to downstream process development across Daresbury Proteins' wider recombinant protein pipeline, with particular emphasis on challenging mammalian-cell-derived proteins, growth factors and cytokines . The role will build upon substantial downstream development already undertaken within the company, including successful optimisation of chromatography processes for difficult proteins such as BMP growth factors. The successful candidate will be expected to take these programmes forward while independently designing, troubleshooting and optimising new purification strategies.

In addition to hands-on laboratory work, the position will include scientific coordination and management of collaborative R&D projects involving academic and industrial partners . This includes Daresbury Proteins' recently secured STFC Cross-Cluster Proof of Concept project , as well as other externally funded collaborative programmes. This position would particularly suit a scientist who enjoys solving difficult purification problems, taking ownership of technically challenging projects and working across multidisciplinary academic–industry collaborations.

Key responsibilities The successful candidate will:
Design, develop, optimise and execute chromatography-based purification processes for recombinant proteins produced in mammalian cell systems. Take responsibility for purification strategy development for difficult-to-purify proteins, growth factors, cytokines and other complex recombinant targets . Optimise chromatographic parameters including resin selection, sample preparation, loading conditions, pH, conductivity, salt concentration, wash conditions and elution strategies. Develop and refine multi-step purification workflows using techniques such as affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography , as appropriate.

Operate automated chromatography equipment, including the Bio-Rad NGC Quest chromatography system , and analyse chromatographic data. Evaluate and select chromatography resins, columns, buffers and process conditions appropriate to individual protein targets. Characterise purified proteins using appropriate analytical techniques, including SDS-PAGE,…