Upstream Team Lead - Biosimilars​/mAbs Process Development

Please note:

Visa support available, international applicants encouraged to apply.

Bio Talent are partnered with a UK-based biopharma organisation building serious upstream development capability within a global biosimilars portfolio. This role sits within a growing R&D site focused on monoclonal antibody biosimilars. The remit spans early optimisation through to late-stage process characterisation and scale-up readiness. This is development, not manufacturing. The focus is on designing, optimising and stress‑testing mammalian cell culture processes so they are robust, scalable and aligned to defined QTPPs and CQAs.

You will lead upstream process development activities across biosimilar mAb programmes, with hands‑on involvement across:

• Mammalian cell culture optimisation and clone/process evaluation
• Titre optimisation through feeding strategy and environmental control
• Control of glycosylation profile and charge variant distribution
• Use of Am  250 for high‑throughput process screening and optimisation
• Operation of lab‑scale bioreactors up to 5L
• Development and validation of scale‑down models
• Process characterisation studies aligned to regulatory expectations
• Evaluation of CPP impact on CQA performance
• Fed batch and intensified process development
• Data‑driven decision making using DoE and multivariate analysis
• Preparation for scale‑up into pilot scale and technology transfer to MSAT

You will guide 2-5 scientists technically, reviewing experimental design, challenging data interpretation and ensuring development work is aligned with late‑stage expectations.

The environment is roughly 60% lab based and 40% data review, experimental planning, documentation and cross‑functional interaction. You will work closely with downstream, analytical and MSAT functions to ensure upstream outputs are robust and transferable.

• Strong hands‑on upstream development experience with mAbs
• Practical use of Am  250 systems
• Operation of lab‑scale stirred tank bioreactors up to 5L
• Experience across early and late‑stage development
• Scale‑down model development and process characterisation
• Technology transfer experience into or out of manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of CPP, CQA and QbD principles
• Experience applying DoE and statistical tools in process optimisation

• GMP production supervisors without development exposure
• Upstream scientists without biosimilars experience
• Large‑scale commercial fermentation specialists without lab‑scale development depth

You will not be one upstream scientist among dozens. You will shape how processes are designed, stress‑tested and prepared for scale. This is a visible technical leadership position within a growing site backed by a strong global pipeline.

Competitive Salary plus bonus and benefits.