Job Description

About your role

The Antibody Purification and Analytics 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.


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 enthusiastic Associate Director to lead Antibody Purification and Analytics Department and to help build and guide the team as they use various technologies to support the needs of the growing pipeline of Biologics at Orion Pharma.

Key responsibilities include the following:

Build and lead a diverse team of protein scientists as well as establish complimentary laboratory infrastructure Provide technical leadership in the laboratory for antibody purification and analytics to support antibody discovery and engineering Plan and lead various antibody 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 Plan and lead various protein analytical studies such as colloidal stability, forced degradation assays, evaluation of post-translational modifications (PTM), including data analysis Plan and lead antigen and antibody purification including characterization for various antibody discovery and engineering projects Develop methods to allow for high-throughput and high homogeneity purification of antibodies, including bi- and multi-specific antibodies Monitor the development of the state-of-the-art purification techniques and analyses methods in the biotechnology industry, implementing those in internal workflows, and serve as an internal expert in this area Work closely together with cross-functional research groups (Antibody Discovery and Engineering , Cell Engineering and CMC, and Bioassays) with the aim to deliver clinical candidates Identify and form strong alliances with external partners and CROs to ensure effective technology transfers and control strategy implementation Actively contribute to internal cross-functional project team discussions, 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 The Associate Director / Director of Antibody Purification and Analytics will report to the Biologics R&D Center VP/Site Head, Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

What we offer

This is an opportunity to lead the Antibody Purification and Analytics team at our new location in Cambridge, UK; this will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a creative antibody scientist to use your talents to build a state-of-the-art antibody purification and analytics Department in support of Antibody Discovery and Engineering Department while we build a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development 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

To succeed in this role, we expect you to have:


Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related subject area with 8+ years of industrial experience Extensive expertise in antibody purification and analytics with a comprehensive understanding of the antibody structure/function relationship Knowledge of the state-of-the-art antibody purification and characterization methods, and serve as the in-house expert in these areas Demonstrated ability to plan and lead various antibody characterization assays designed to identify potential liabilities and use that information to guide high quality lead candidate selection Demonstrated ability to plan and lead high-throughput antibody purifications Demonstrated ability to develop antibody purification methods for a variety of modalities such as multi-specific antibodies and difficult protein antigens Demonstrated Scientific Leadership with an ability to create positive collaborations within the Research & Development team Demonstrated ability to set and lead priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global and regional environment Ability to assess and make decisions based on scientific data Expertise in risk prevention, contingency planning and delivering innovative solutions Effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills Effectively manage ambiguity and complexity of large cross-functional organizations 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 1st June, 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.