VRS Recruitment
Associate/Research Scientist - Upstream Process Sciences

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Successful Pharmaceutical Company Seeks Associate Scientist / Research Scientist
A successful pharmaceutical company is looking for an Associate Scientist / Research Scientist to join its Drug Substance Process Sciences team and support the development of innovative biologics.
This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on upstream process development, optimisation and characterisation, with exposure to mammalian cell culture, high-throughput platforms and bioreactor systems from microscale through to pilot scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute upstream process development studies.
- Develop and optimise mammalian/CHO cell culture processes.
- Operate shake flasks, Ambr® systems and laboratory-scale bioreactors.
- Apply DoE and QbD approaches to process optimisation and characterisation.
- Support scale-up, troubleshooting, technology transfer and manufacturing activities.
- Analyse experimental data and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
- Collaborate with Cell Line Development, Analytical Sciences, Downstream Development and Manufacturing teams.
- Maintain high standards of GMP, data integrity, HSE and laboratory compliance.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
Essential:
- BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related discipline
- Hands-on experience with mammalian/CHO cell culture and biologics process development
- Experience with Ambr® and/or laboratory-scale bioreactors
- Understanding of cell culture scale-up and process characterisation
- Experience with DoE and statistical data analysis
- Strong scientific problem-solving and troubleshooting skills


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Desirable:
- Perfusion or ATF experience
- Technology transfer or manufacturing support experience
- Exposure to downstream processing or integrated process development
This role is offered on an initial 12-month contract with realistic potential for extension.
Why Apply?
An excellent opportunity to develop your career within upstream bioprocess development, gaining hands-on experience across cell culture, bioreactor systems, process optimisation, scale-up and technology transfer within a successful pharmaceutical environment.
Keywords: Upstream Process Development | Bioprocessing | Mammalian Cell Culture | CHO | Bioreactors | Ambr | Process Characterisation | Scale-Up | DoE | QbD | Perfusion | ATF | Biologics | Therapeutic Proteins | GMP | Pharmaceutical | Biopharmaceutical
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