Job Description

We are currently looking for a Bioprocess Scientist, available to start work as soon as possible, to lead the development of techno-economically viable bioprocesses for recombinant polypeptides, from initial design concept to scale up production, using a range of fermentation technologies, including genetic modification, pathway optimization, bioprocess design, scaling bioprocesses, and downstream purification of peptides. The role is a lab-based role and as such is an on-site role based at our premises at the Science Creates St. Philips incubator, Bristol (see https://sciencecreates.co.uk/incubators/ for more details).

What we do

Zentraxa is a Bristol-based biotechnology company. Our custom-designed biomaterials are inspired by natural systems and precision engineered to deliver the performance enhancements our target markets are actively seeking. Providing groundbreaking solutions to difficult problems in industry and with a track record of producing bio-adhesives for defence, medical applications, and biodegradable polymers for personal care products. Our proprietary Zentide platform allows us to discover and produce innovative peptide biomaterials in a repeatable, sustainable, and scalable manner. By making biomaterial solutions more effective & accessible across a range of industries, we aim to contribute to a biomanufacturing revolution and a more sustainable future.

Working at Zentraxa

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We see Zentraxa as playing a key role in the long-term mission to adopt more sustainable processes, rooted in biotechnology, across an increasingly wider array of industries. We deliver our innovations by rigorous scientific work and thinking creatively about industrial problems. Our belief is that fundamental change requires small steps to deliver a greener future that is economically viable for all.

We provide a supportive and nurturing environment for our employees, offering opportunities for individual growth alongside delivery of the company's core mission and objectives. We ensure our employees have regular one-to-ones and progress reviews, as well as frequent team catchups and socials.

We work and communicate as a team, trusting each other to be in the right place at the right time and to do the right thing so that everyone can balance their work and home commitments in a way that works best for them. We offer flexible working, delivering to company and project needs around a schedule that works for you and your team. Other benefits include 26 days annual leave per year in addition to bank holidays, and eligibility for the company share option scheme.

What we're looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who shares our ambition to become one of the font-runners in UK synthetic biology, and who will take the role of Senior Bioprocess Scientist. The role is laboratory based and your main responsibility will be driving the development of techno-economically viable bioprocesses for recombinant polypeptides using a range of fermentation technologies, including genetic modification, pathway optimization, bioprocess design, scaling bioprocesses, and downstream purification of chemicals. As our Senior Bioprocess Scientist, you will support delivery of projects with clear understanding of the business objectives. Moreover, you will support the team by providing broad technical expertise.

For this role, you will have had up to 2 years of practical experience in upstream/downstream processing/fermentation for protein production or similar, as well as more than 5-year laboratory experience. Your proven direct hands-on experience in relevant techniques e.g. fermentation processes, centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, aseptic techniques, protein analysis, cell banking, will help our team to operate at maximum efficiency. You'll have a keen eye for detail, and have excellent organisational skills, as well as proven ability to prioritize and manage workload, strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiating and collaboration skills together with evidence of having used these to support problem solving and delivery in a team-orientated, collaborative environment.

Role Responsibilities

To design and optimize upstream fermentation and downstream processes to ensure efficient production of target biomaterials, contributing to a sustainable, cost-effective and scalable bioprocessing pipeline.

To manage and deliver projects as per business objectives, ensuring timely completion and adherence to projects goals.

To successfully execute fermentation runs using equipment such as shake flasks and bioreactors (up to 20L).

To develop and implement techniques such as centrifugation, filtration, freeze drying, and chromatography to efficiently isolate and purify biomaterials produced through fermentation.

To be able to scale up and technical transfer bioprocesses and techniques, establishing integrated workflows and solutions, building out the company's core capabilities.

To perform regular equipment maintenance and cleaning to ensure production capacity and quality.

To contribute to a high-performance team culture.

To coordinate production of test material e.g. as defined by customer requirements.

To ensure developed technology aligns with business IP strategy.

To develop and implement testing, methods, protocols, processes.

To do problem-solving actively, troubleshooting issues and recommending mitigations/contingency plans.

To coach, mentor and train other members of the Process team.

To review of experimental data generated by other members of the technical team.

To manage technical projects e.g. budget, tasks and resources.

To establish productive working relationships with strategic partners.

Support the wider technical team objectives e.g.: Preparation of stocks of buffers, reagents, etc.; ensure Good Laboratory Practice and safe working; execute experiments, meet project deliverables, and communicate progress and results; support process documentation including experimental data, company SOPs, batch records, etc. to ensure records traceability.

The experience we are looking for

Essential Skills:

At least MSc in relevant area e.g. e.g. chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology.

Detailed technical understanding of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, protein chemistry.

Detailed technical understanding of recombinant expression e.g. vector design, as well as culturing bacteria for protein expression and purification e.g. OD measurements, SDS-PAGE.

Proven direct hands-on experience in relevant techniques e.g. fermentation processes, centrifugation, filtration, chromatography, freeze drying, aseptic techniques, protein analysis, cell banking.

At least years laboratory experience demonstrating a rigorous approach to experimental work e.g. aseptic technique.

Use of analytical techniques e.g. HPLC, MS, protein analysis.

Proven ability to work independently, to manage projects, experimental design, prioritize and manage workload and resources, analyse data, and problem solve.

Proven ability to innovate and strive for continuous improvement contributions to projects.

Experience working within a team with excellent communication skills.

Ability to manage a small team of scientists.

Ability to precisely and accurately develop and implement SOP's and laboratory protocols.

Ability to accurately and concisely report experimental work to other team members, stakeholders and external partners.

Ability to communicate experimental work to other team members and stakeholders.

Able to adapt and learn new skills/competencies.

Desirable:

PhD in relevant area e.g. chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology.

Extensive industrial experience in upstream/downstream processing/fermentation for protein production.

Track record in scaling up and technical transfer of laboratory processes to pilot (up to 50L) or industrial scale (>100L).

Experience with Statistical and Design of Experiment software e.g. JMP, Minitab.

Experience working with multidisciplinary projects and teams.

Proven direct hands-on experience in relevant scalable process techniques e.g. TFF, spray drying.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Employee stock ownership plan Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Flexitime On-site parking Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Bristol BS2 0XJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

Master's (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/07/2025