Job Description

About

CPI

CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We're a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.


Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with our partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products.


From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.

Why this role is important for CPI's work

We have an exciting opportunity for a

Chief Technologist - Separation and Purification Processes

to join our growing team, working across CPI's

National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington

and

Biotechnology facilities in Wilton

.


As CPI's recognised expert in

the development of robust, scalable processes to recover and purify products from a range of biological and chemical processes

, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to a broad range of projects, working across the full bioprocessing continuum -- from microbial and mammalian systems to enzymatic and RNA-based platforms, whilst also working on the development of processes outside of the bioprocessing space in support of CPI's broader sustainable materials capabilities.


You will play a central role in shaping CPI's capabilities in separation and purification processes, translating innovative research into scalable, sustainable, and regulatorily compliant manufacturing solutions. Acting as a visible technical authority both inside and outside of CPI, you'll guide project delivery, mentor colleagues, and strengthen CPI's reputation as a UK leader in advanced manufacturing.

Key tasks in the role will include (but are not limited to the below), please download the job description for full details available on the

CPI

careers page

Provide scientific and engineering leadership to drive innovation across the

design, optimisation, and scale-up

of novel processes, working alongside colleagues in the upstream process development and engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.


Guide the

translation of processes into regulated environments

, ensuring compliance, robustness, and commercial readiness.


Partner with multidisciplinary teams to deliver

end-to-end process solutions

, bridging R&D and manufacturing environments.


Anticipate emerging process technologies and shape CPI's

capability roadmap

across the Biologics and Biotechnology Centres.


Represent CPI as a

national technical authority

in industrial and academic forums, contributing to consortia, publications, and conferences.


Mentor and coach scientists and engineers, building a strong internal capability base across bioprocessing disciplines.


Provide expert input into

bids, collaborations, and strategic programmes

, ensuring CPI remains at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing.

The person we are seeking

You'll be a recognised expert in the development of separation and purification processes for advanced manufacturing, with a particular expertise in biotechnology and biologics manufacturing. You will possess the depth and breadth to guide development from discovery through to implementation in both regulated (GMP, Food & Feed) and unregulated industries. You'll combine

scientific rigour

,

strategic vision

, and

collaborative leadership

to accelerate innovation and capability growth.

Essential skills and experience:

Degree (or higher) in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.


Significant industrial experience in the scale up of separation and purification processes, with specific experience in

bioprocess development and scale-up

, ideally across microbial and mammalian systems.


Proven ability to guide

GMP

translation

, process control, and technology transfer.


Broad understanding of

integrated bioprocessing

, including upstream, downstream, and analytical interfaces.


Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programmes and influence across multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable:

Chartered or Fellow status within a relevant professional body (e.g., IChemE, ISPE, ESACT).


Evidence of national or international engagement in biologics and biotechnology innovation networks.

Why Join

CPI

?

At CPI, you'll join a collaborative community of scientists, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of biomanufacturing. Working across two national centres of excellence, you'll help define the next generation of biologics and biotechnology processes that drive sustainable impact.


We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous professional growth.

Ready to help shape the future of bioprocess innovation?

Apply today and join us at CPI -- where ideas become reality.

What does

CPI

offer you?

At CPI, we offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, this includes:

Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays - Plus a holiday purchasing scheme Generous pension scheme Life assurance and accident insurance schemes Flexible working Learning and Development Opportunities Free parking

Find out more about our culture and benefits.

Additional information

CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK, sponsorship may be available.