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 Purification Scientist/Senior Scientist to establish and lead Orion Pharma's purification platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for downstream analytics, 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 standard or high throughput purification of antibodies at various scale level, and create SOP Protocols. Provide hands-on technical leadership in the development and execution of purification strategies for complex biologics including multispecific antibodies, antigens, ADC and CAR-T components. Design and optimise scalable purification workflows (affinity, ion exchange, HIC, SEC, mixed-mode) tailored to diverse biologic modalities. Develop purification methods for new and emerging formats, including high-throughput workflows and early-stage process development. Track and analyse purification data to assess process performance, consistency, and developability of candidates, supporting decision-making across projects. Help establish and build complementary laboratory infrastructure particularly concerning purification platforms. Guide and mentor junior scientists and research associates Collaborate with analytical, upstream expression, antibody discovery and engineering, and functional biology teams to ensure seamless integration of purification into the broader discovery and development workflows. Help identify and form strong alliances with external partners and CROs to ensure effective technology transfers and control strategy implementation.

Actively contribute to cross-functional project team discussion inside Orion Pharma, ensuring research plans are aligned with the project timelines and goals.
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.


Demonstrated experience in purification of antibodies and recombinant proteins, with strong hands-on experience in methods such as Protein A/G/L affinity chromatography, IEX, SEC, and HIC (3+ years). Experience working with complex biologics such as bispecific or multispecific antibodies and ADC constructs is highly desirable. Proven experience in downstream process development and developability assessment for biologics, including scalability, robustness, and manufacturability considerations. Understanding of the antibody structure/function relationship and how they inform purification strategies and candidate selection is highly desirable. Familiarity with analytical tools such as SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, HPLC, SEC-MALS, or LC-MS to support in-process characterisation and quality assessment. Proven ability to collaborate across functions (Protein Expression, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, Analytical, Biology, and CMC). 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.