Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D UK Centre (Cambridge), Research and Development, Orion Pharma

Job Description

Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D UK Centre (Cambridge), Research and Development, Orion Pharma

The Antibody Purification and Analytics group is a core part of the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Centre, responsible for supporting the discovery and development of next-generation biologics, including multispecific antibodies, antigens, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-Ts, from early research through clinical development.

Orion Pharma has newly established a Biologics Research & Development Centre in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Centre represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Centre’s mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.

The Biologics R&D Centre complements Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).

Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.

We are seeking a highly motivated Purification Research Associate to establish and support Orion Pharma’s purification platform. This role will be pivotal in supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on delivering high-quality material for downstream analytics, functional testing, and eventually clinical development.

• Your responsibilities include the following:
• Execute purification protocols for recombinant antibodies, antigens, ADC and CAR-T components using techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G/L, IMAC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange (IEX), multimodal chromatography (MMC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).
• Support the development and optimisation of purification workflows, including buffer preparation and method troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records by documenting purification conditions and observations in electronic lab notebooks, and ensure procedures are regularly updated and current.
• Perform routine protein quality assessments using SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, HPLC, and other analytical tools.
• Track and analyse experimental data to support interpretation and decision-making within the purification team.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including calibration of instruments, inventory management, and ensuring proper operation of purification equipment (e.g., ÄKTA systems).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across functions (Antibody Expression, Analytical, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, Functional Biology) to support project timelines and goals.
• Participate in team meetings and discussions, sharing experimental results and contributing ideas to improve workflows and problem-solving.
• Comply with all safety and quality standards, following internal SOPs and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.

This position will report to the Antibody & Protein Purification Team Lead within Orion Pharma’s iMeds/R&D organization.

Description Of Our Organization

Orion Pharma’s Innovative Medine’s innovations are within its R&D organization. The organisation employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.

We offer

A unique opportunity for an enthusiastic Antibody Purification RA to gain experience purifying novel protein formats using a range of chromatography techniques. The role will help strengthen and optimise purification capabilities at our new Cambridge, UK location and contribute to the development of a state-of-the-art antibody discovery powerhouse, with the full support of Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D

A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.

The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.

An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer

Our expectations:

A BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline, with 1-3 years of practical laboratory experience gained through industry, academic research, or other relevant laboratory work.

• Hands‑on experience in purification of antibodies and recombinant proteins, employing techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G/L, IMAC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange (IEX), multimodal chromatography (MMC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).
• Familiarity with complex biologics such as bispecific or multispecific antibodies and ADC constructs is advantageous.
• Understanding of basic downstream processing principles and interest in learning about process development and developability assessment for biologics.
• General knowledge of antibody structure-function relationships and how they can affect purification and stability is desirable.
• Basic experience with protein characterisation techniques, such as SDS-PAGE, UV spectrophotometry, Endotoxin measurement, or HPLC.
• Demonstrated ability to follow operating procedures, maintain detailed laboratory records, and contribute to data reporting and interpretation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross‑functional research environment.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of lab safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

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