Job Description

We have opportunities in a range of departments. Students will spend the full 12 months in which ever department they are assigned to. When you apply, please indication which of the below opportunities you are interested in, you may select more than one if you wish. 

Cell Culture Development (CCD)

Working within CCD the applicant would contribute to both commercial and internal projects.

Working within the Cell Culture Development Department to support technical process development and optimization on a number of projects the detail of which to be confirmed.

The student will receive training in some or all of the following: basic cell culture (subculture, revival and cryo), media preparation, Electronic Workbooks, iLab, small scale lab bioreactors and cell line cloning activities.

They will be performing experiments, maintaining records, analysing results and contributing to data interpretation & conclusions.

Sample activities:

• Introduction to current cell line processes and data trawl of historical work and research in the area already done
• Revival, subculture and maintenance of multiple cell lines in order to assess growth, viability, productivity and product quality characteristics
• Running of small scale bioreactors to test various conditions
• Cell line selection to generate suitable cell lines for larger scale manufacturing

Purification Development and Validation (PDV)

To perform purification development and validation studies for antibodies and other recombinant proteins being manufactured by Lonza Biologics.

To provide flexible laboratory-based practical expertise within the Purification Development department

• To perform laboratory experiments, with guidance, to test the suitability and effectiveness of various chromatographic, filtration and other procedures for the purification of proteins.
• With guidance, interpret the data from development studies obtained and to plan the next set of experiments where required.
• To ensure that experimental details, raw data and results are recorded as appropriate
• To perform validation studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of purification processes.
• To contribute to the efficient running of the laboratories.
• Content development of materials for internal and external purposes.

A placement in the Development Services Team will give you the opportunity to put your university theory into practice.

During your 12 months with us, you'll gain experience in a range of areas, such as:

• A range of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes
• Working in a GMP environment
• Support to deliver process improvement, new systems or automation projects
• Technical training in an area of Development Services
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Purification or
  • Analytical testing
• Problem solving, root cause analysis and resolution
• Safety and/or quality risk assessments

Whichever team you are placed with, you will be applying the skills you already have and developing new skills such as; effective communication, team working and time management.

Quality Control - Microbiology

This will provide the undergraduate with a well-rounded view of Lonza’s key areas in Quality Control, covering techniques in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Raw Materials.

The undergraduate will gain experience in a range of areas, such as:

• Performing microbiological testing in support of drug substance release and stability
• Supporting in-process testing and environmental monitoring to ensure accurate forward processing decisions are made during drug substance manufacturing
• Analysis of data to confirm that products meet the required quality and safety standards for clinical or commercial use
• Actively communicating and collaborating with functional areas to develop a strong working relationship and understanding of roles and responsibilities.
• Supporting investigations where monitoring data is not as expected.

Method Validation is one of the key groups within Quality Control, responsible for the validation of all analytical methods used within Lonza, Slough.

MV studies are evaluation of the analytical methods, performed within Lonza, to assess if the methods are fit for purpose. The method validation studies confirm that a method is suitable to be used to release products to the clinic for use in clinical trials. Level 2 validations support the use of the method for a product that has been granted a commercial licence by the Regulatory authorities

As a 12 month placement student you will be contributing to scientific projects by generating and documenting data from experimental work. You will take part in MDV analytical studies performing a range of GMP assays such as: GPC-HPLC, Protein Concentration by A280 and icIEF. Understand and comply with company, regulatory and statutory requirements.

• Data analysis, buffer preparation, equipment maintenance and laboratory maintenance will also be a part of your day to day responsibilities.
• You are expected to attend weekly team meetings, monthly 1-2-1 sessions and contribute to departmental practices and process improvements.

A definite list of analytical methods and duties will be discussed and identified during the induction weeks with the team leader in accordance with the student’s requirements and business needs.

Quality Control - Product Testing and Stability

To perform a wide range of analytical methods including HPLC (e.g. size exclusion, ion exchange), electrophoresis (e.g. CE SDS, icIEF), spectrophotometry and general characteristic analysis (e.g. visual appearance, pH, Osmolality) for the purpose of assessing the quality and stability of therapeutic proteins. All work is expected to be carried out in a safe and compliant manner in accordance with local EHS policies and cGMP guidelines.

This role is particularly suitable for those interested in analytical chemistry and gaining lab experience.

Duties include:

• Perform experimental work independently, in a safe and compliant manner.
• Plan and complete assigned tasks within the required timeframe
• Liaise with operators and study directors to close out technical review of assays.
• Interpret data against specifications and identify trends within data.
• Communicate progress and escalate challenges to Line Manager and/or scientific lead as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively in a team to ensure business, regulatory and customer needs are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Process Analytics

A placement in the Process Analytics team will give you the opportunity to put your university theory into practice, namely:

• Practical experience of working in a biopharmaceutical lab
• Full training in laboratory techniques and equipment
• Learn analytical techniques related to the testing of monoclonal antibodies, Fc-fusion and other molecules (eg HPLC, Capillary electrophoresis, ELISA)
• Working in a GMP environment
• Problem solving, root cause analysis and resolution

The purpose of the role is to organize and execute lab-based work to a high standard and good attention to detail within the Analytical discipline. Work is performed according to SOP in compliance with rules and procedures and the employee can identify and escalate abnormalities. The individual maintains their training and skills to effectively carry out their duties and seeks out additional opportunities to enhance their learning.

• Perform range of analytical tests, e.g. HPLC, GXII,
• qPCR, icIEF, ELISA, CE-SDS and MEA
• Analyse data and interpret results
• Critically analyse information and drive good quality, data driven decisions on customer projects
• Perform general department functions (ordering, buffer preparation, risk assessments)
• Maintain and take ownership of systems (documentation, calibration, troubleshooting)
• Attend relevant internal forums
• Input in to RCA

To actively support MSAT scientists and technologists in the execution of new or existing processes (either USP or DSP) during pilot scale operations developing towards independence. This is an entry-level laboratory-based position responsible for hands on logistical and batch support working alongside technical staff on a variety of day to day activities.

The undergraduate will gain experience in supporting activities aligned to the technical execution of pilot scale processes such as:

• Following defined processes as part of a team and performing moderately complex and varied tasks with peer support
• Planning and manage daily tasks in operating plant equipment
• Preparing datafile forms/batch records on plant for pilot batch execution
• Managing inventory of consumable and raw materials in lab areas and ensuring correct standards of cleanliness and maintenance