Senior Analytical Development Scientist

About Us

Do you want to work with a team that is changing science and enabling the next generation of genetic medicines?

The stellar growth in cell and gene therapy has accelerated the need for a better quality, faster and more robust DNA manufacturing technology.

Touchlight has created a new DNA vector for use in advanced genetic medicines that is safer and more efficacious than conventional plasmid DNA. Our unique platform also enables DNA production at unprecedented scale, speed and purity.

We believe that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine and our CDMO has a focus on the following areas:

• Nucleic acid medicines (mRNA and DNA).
• Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell and genetic medicines.
• Gene therapy using viral vectors and gene editing.
• Autologous and allogenic cell therapy.

Role Overview:

Touchlight is currently seeking an experienced scientist to join its Analytical Development department. This role, based at the Hampton site (UK), would be suitable for someone with a passion for development of analytical tools for solving a wide range of client specific testing requirements. The role requires a high level of communication, planning and organisation, very dynamic, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, dealing with multiple stakeholders, and managing evolving priorities.

The Sr Analytical Development Scientist is primarily responsible for supporting the team during all assay development activities including those required for a regulated environment, as well as participating in the sampling and testing using those analytical tools.

There will be a close interaction with the other operational departments to support on-going project and product needs.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Analytical Development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the hands-on development and validation of analytical assays for both internal and external programmes, in line with regulatory expectations
• Work collaboratively with Programme Management, Quality, Supply Chain, Development, Manufacturing, and other departments, to meet deliverables and timelines
• Ensure the organisation can deliver on a highly complex analytical testing portfolio whilst maintaining a high throughput of customer and internal projects
• Author documentation such as standard operating procedures, validation protocols, various reports, as well as AD material ordering and storage area control
• Participate in client meetings and support with client project communication
• Participate and support investigations for OOS/Deviations/Change controls relating to materials coordinating with production
• Maintain the calibration, qualification and validation of analytical testing equipment.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields of study: Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or equivalent experience
• Experience working within an Analytical Development environment
• Experience in a GMP Regulated CDMO would be beneficial
• Experience with at least two of the listed techniques: ELISA, enzyme activity assays, qPCR/digital PCR, U/HPLC, mass spectrometry is essential
• Knowledge of equipment and instrument calibration, qualification, and validation (UPLC, mass spectrometry, UV Spectrometry, real-time PCR/Digital PCR, Plate readers, Sanger Sequencing)
• Experience of reagent preparations and material handling
• Advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Touchlight Benefits

Touchlight is a successful scale-up business with a record of world-leading innovation and a welcoming, entrepreneurial culture. We make Touchlight an extraordinary place to work by providing our employees with incredible facilities, flexible working and a competitive benefits and remuneration package.

A Place for Everyone

We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Touchlight. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our customers.

If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please speak with the HR team who will be happy to support you.