Cell Culture Associate

The Weekend Cell Culture Associate supports upstream laboratory operations during Friday-Monday shifts. The role focuses on maintaining experimental continuity, performing aseptic cell culture activities, preparing media and feeds, monitoring bioreactor batches, and ensuring accurate documentation. The position requires strong technical skills, independence, and adherence to safety and compliance standards.

• Perform aseptic mammalian cell culture operations including cell expansion, passaging, sampling, and seeding in shake flasks and bioreactors.
• Monitor ongoing bioreactor batches by recording key parameters (VCD, viability, pH, DO) and communicate deviations promptly.
• Prepare, filter, and document media, feeds, and buffer solutions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor batch performance by regularly recording parameters (VCD, viability, metabolites, pH, DO, etc.) and responding to deviations or unexpected trends.
• Operate and maintain cell culture equipment such as incubators, biosafety cabinets, Ambr250, and benchtop bioreactors.
• Maintain cleanliness of cleanroom areas and biosafety cabinets; ensure sterile practices are consistently applied.
• Document all activities in lab notebooks, batch records, and logbooks; provide clear handover notes to weekday teams.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), good documentation practices (GDP), and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Adhere to SOPs, GDP, and GLP standards; ensure compliance with EHS guidelines and COSHH requirements.
• Follow and promote all EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) procedures and safety guidelines in the lab.
• Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals, biological materials, and lab waste and support in preparing risk assessments and COSHH.
• Support risk assessments and proper handling/storage of chemicals, biological materials, and lab waste.
• Take personal ownership of assigned tasks and ensure timely, high-quality execution with minimal supervision.
• Work collaboratively with peers across upstream, downstream, and analytical development teams to support overall project timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the lab, including equipment maintenance, process improvements.
• Communicate weekend progress, deviations, and issues to supervisors and cross-functional teams.

The Person

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Hands on experience in mammalian cell culture within a laboratory or GMP setting.
• Familiarity with bioreactor operations, media preparation, and sterile filtration.
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture techniques (e.g., CHO, HEK) in shake flasks, Ambr250, and small scale bioreactors.
• Strong aseptic technique and sterile solution preparation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively during weekend shifts.

The Rewards

In return, we offer a competitive salary and rewards package (including holiday, bonus and pension scheme). Not to mention the opportunity to genuinely make a difference in a new and dynamic role within a progressive and expanding business, at an exciting time of growing international reach.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.