Associate Scientist in Speke, Merseyside

• Role: Associate Scientist
• Contract: 12-month
• Location: Speke, Liverpool (on site)
• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 4:45pm, Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm
• Team: Analytical Testing | Flu Biopharmaceutical Development

About our client

Our client's Liverpool site in Speke manufactures a nasal influenza vaccine that helps protect people against seasonal flu. Their teams work to a demanding timeline every year to deliver a vaccine that is safe, effective and ready for the new flu season.

The Flu BPD department brings together specialist teams across Analytical Development and Testing, Process Development, Virology Research and Strain Development. Together they characterise candidate vaccine virus strains and generate the high-quality data that supports key commercial decisions. It is a multidisciplinary team of scientists.

About the role

The data you generate will directly inform commercial decisions for a nasal flu vaccine. This is a chance to see your science make a real impact on patients, from the lab bench to the decisions that shape each flu season.

You will join the Analytical Testing team on a 12-month contract, providing the testing that allows candidate vaccine virus strains to be characterised and understood. This is a fast-paced, almost entirely laboratory-based role.

Key responsibilities

• Provide laboratory testing to support the characterisation and understanding of candidate vaccine virus strains
• Perform a range of analytical methods, including biological cell-based assays
• Work with automated laboratory equipment to deliver testing efficiently and consistently
• Use assay controls appropriately to generate robust, high-quality datasets that support commercial decisions
• Deliver timely, right-first-time data to meet seasonal timelines
• Work in line with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Record work accurately and keep electronic laboratory records up to date
• Work as an embedded member of the team, flexing to changing priorities and learning new methods as needed

What you'll gain

• Hands-on technical experience: develop your skills in biological cell-based assays and work with advanced laboratory automation
• Industrial laboratory exposure: gain experience in a fast-paced industrial laboratory, supporting a vaccine that protects patients
• Structured development and training: a structured programme to help you build your capability and grow your career

About you

Essential

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in a Biological Sciences discipline
• A passion for analytical techniques and for generating excellent data that supports commercial decisions
• A good working knowledge of GLP
• An understanding of how assay controls are used to produce robust datasets
• Excellent attention to detail, including keeping electronic laboratory records accurate and up to date
• Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to work as an embedded member of a team
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn new methods
• The ability to think on your feet and solve problems
• Learning agility: you learn quickly and can hit the ground running
• A passion for working in industry in a fast-paced environment

Desirable

• A Master's degree in a Biological Sciences discipline
• A passion for virology
• Experience of working with biological assays
• Previous experience in an industrial laboratory setting

What will set you apart

You are passionate about science and want to make a difference to patients. You are curious and eager to learn, you take ownership of your personal development, and you bring the energy to thrive in a fast-paced, team-focused laboratory environment.

Please note: this is a full-time, on-site, laboratory-based role.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.