Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience:

• Relevant experience gained within a commercial biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, advanced therapies, or life sciences environment is essential
• Experience in analytical assays such as flow cytometry, qPCR, metabolite profiling and cell counting is essential
• Demonstrable experience of executing agreed research independently with minimal supervision is essential
• Experience of bioprocessing data structuring, analysis and formatting is essential
• Experience in bioprocessing and scaling, including upstream processing using stir tank bioreactor and other cell culture technologies and techniques are essential, including DASbox, BioBLU, ambr250, Quantum Flex, univessel bioreactor systems, 2D/3D culture systems, cell handling (e.g. T-cells, NK-cells, HEK cells), cell thawing, expansion, differentiation and banking
• Proven experience in PSC cell bioprocessing, including the culture, expansion and optimisation of cells using 2D and 3D systems
• Proven experience of effectively delivering training and developing other team members
• Experience in conducting technical Genetically Modified Organisms risk assessments to ensure biosafety compliance
• Experience of designing end to end bioprocess workflows with a focus on automation and digitalisation to drive standardisation and process closure
• Experience in Health and Safety management, including generation of risk assessments and ensuring COSHH compliance, contribution to incidents and near miss investigations, safety inspections and audits, equipment safety with an interest in advancing knowledge through NEBOSH certification
• Experience of statistical tools such as method validation and/or Design of Experiments to drive efficient and robust experimental design is desirable
• Experience of process scale-up and technology transfer to/from commercial and research organisations is desirable
• Experience of integrating PAT technologies into bioprocessing development workflows is desirable

Knowledge / Skills / Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of PSC biology and bioprocessing principles, including 2D and 3D cell expansion technologies and their application within advanced therapy manufacturing
• Excellent working knowledge of viral vector bioprocessing platforms
• Highly motivated, pragmatic and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK
• Desire to establish a high-profile career within cell and gene sector and the personal drive to help push the sector to be a commercial success. Ambitious, collaborative, and driven
• Delegates work appropriately to others (considering their abilities and the resources available to them). Balances workloads across the team, ensuring that there are no barriers from individuals, or people being underutilised
• Provides direction and coordinates action provides the team with clear direction at the beginning and consistently throughout a project lifecycle. Ensures each team member understands their role and what is expected of them to deliver
• Encourages close attention to quality even at a very detailed level. Is consistent across a project and acts as a role model for maintaining quality standards
• Communicates proactively: Shares information widely with others, including ‘upwards’ as well as ‘downwards’. ensures that this information is understood and makes others aware of information that may be useful to them, follows up to ensure it has been received and is open to any feedback they may receive
• Encourages others to share their views, thoughts, and feelings, and listens to what they have to say
• Develops relationships at all levels and uses these to the benefit of their work. Understands other points of view and uses this to gain agreement
• Identifies and takes responsibility for decisions and can be relied upon to get things done. Balances the strategic and the operational requirements when making decisions, consistently supporting the purpose of the CTG Catapult
• Is not afraid to make decisions quickly when necessary, even when they may not have all the information they would like. Risks failure when the potential rewards justify it and is able to make that calculation effectively
• Understand others: Demonstrates an interest in, and understanding of, the attitudes, views, capabilities, limitations and motivations of others. Considers how colleagues’ perceptions of a situation may influence the way they behave and is able to adapt their style accordingly
• Takes the time to inform and seek out the opinions of others in the team and across the division. Encourages the team to be involved in the decision-making process while empowering them to deliver
• Recognises others’ abilities and offers appropriate support, especially in developing people. Helps others to deal with challenging circumstances by coaching them through effective strategies
• Demonstrates adaptability in a fast-paced environment, maintaining accuracy and focus under pressure
• Demonstrates a solutions focussed approach
• A positive attitude towards learning, personal and professional development
• Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice
• Willingness to travel; e.g. this may include visiting external stakeholders as part of collaborations, for dissemination of scientific research at conferences or to other CGT Catapult sites

Education/Qualifications:

• PhD or BSc in a relevant subject, supported by relevant industrial experience in the life sciences or bio-engineering field