Job Description

The Biologics CMC group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Center whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development and launch.


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


The Biologics R&D Center will complement 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 an experienced and highly motivated Antibody Analytics Scientist/Senior Scientist to establish and lead Orion Pharma's characterization platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for functional testing, and eventually clinical development.

Your responsibilities include the following:

Together with the Head of Purification and Analytics, design, troubleshoot, and implement the methodologies for the analytical characterization of antibodies and complex biologics across various discovery and early development stages, and create SOP Protocols. Provide hands-on technical leadership in developing and executing a broad range of characterization assays, including DLS, DSC, DSF, analytical HPLC (SEC-MALS, HIC, etc), CE-SDS, polyreactivity, AC-SINS, subvisible particle analysis, affinity measurements, immunogenicity and other relevant assays. Design and optimise analytical workflows to assess critical quality attributes such as colloidal stability, aggregation, thermal stability, fragmentation, and post-translational modifications (PTMs). Lead forced degradation studies and stability profiling to inform developability assessments and support candidate selection and engineering decisions. Analyze and interpret complex datasets, integrating results across multiple analytical platforms to support decision-making on molecular design, purification strategies, and manufacturability. Collaborate closely with upstream expression, purification, antibody discovery and engineering, and functional biology teams to ensure analytical workflows are integrated into broader discovery and development processes. Drive the development of high-throughput and automated analytical platforms for rapid candidate screening and profiling. Help establish and build complementary laboratory infrastructure particularly concerning analytical platforms. Guide and mentor junior scientists and research associates. Build strong collaborative relationships with external partners, CROs, and technology providers to ensure effective execution of analytical studies, and technology transfer. Contribute to cross-functional project team discussions, ensuring analytical plans align with project goals and timelines. Understand and comply with Orion Pharma safety, quality and regulatory policies and relevant government regulations..
This position will report to the Head of Antibody Purification and Analytics within Orion Pharma's iMeds/R&D organization.

Description of our organization

Orion Pharma's Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.

We offer

This opportunity is to contribute to development of manufacturing cell lines within the Biologics CMC team at our new location in Cambridge, UK; this will be a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic antibody scientist to help further establish and advance a stable CHO cell line generation technology while we build a state-of-the-art Biologics powerhouse within Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.


A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.


The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.


An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

Our expectations:

Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related subject area with 3+ years of industrial experience, or a master's degree with 5+ years of industrial experience.


Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with 3+ years of industry experience; or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.


Proven expertise in the characterization of antibodies and recombinant proteins, including hands-on experience with techniques such as DLS, DSC, DSF, analytical HPLC (SEC-MALS, HIC, etc), CE-SDS, polyreactivity, AC-SINS, subvisible particle analysis, affinity measurements, immunogenicity and other relevant assays. Experience with colloidal stability assessments, forced degradation studies, and evaluation of PTMs is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of antibody structure-function relationships and their implications for analytical strategy and developability. Experience collaborating in cross-functional teams including Protein Expression, Purification, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, and CMC functions. Experience in supervising or managing junior team members would be advantageous. Demonstrated ability to meet performance targets and project initiatives. Ability to assess and make decisions based on scientific data. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

How to apply and additional information

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your cover letter and CV by August 22, 2025.


We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.


#LI-ORION

Unit description

Orion Pharma's Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.