Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist - Cell Line Development & Upstream Process Development

Location: Wrexham, UK (Hybrid Working)

Contract: Permanent

Travel: Occasional travel (European)

Shape the Future of Biologics at Ipsen

At Ipsen, we're passionate about advancing innovative medicines that make a meaningful difference to patients' lives. We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join our Bioprocess Sciences team and provide scientific and technical leadership across Cell Line Development (CLD) and Upstream Process Development (USP) activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior biologics development professional to lead critical Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) development programmes, working with cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with global teams across our international network.

The Opportunity

As Principal Scientist, you will act as a recognised subject matter expert, leading the development and optimisation of cell line and upstream manufacturing processes for biologic products from candidate selection through to commercial manufacturing.

A key focus of the role will be driving upstream process development activities using mammalian and/or microbial cell lines, supporting multiple development programmes while providing technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists. You will play an integral role within cross-functional CMC teams, partnering with internal stakeholders and external Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) to ensure successful programme delivery.

This position offers exposure to a diverse biologics pipeline and the opportunity to influence development strategy across multiple projects while collaborating with colleagues throughout Ipsen's global organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Cell Line Development and Upstream Process Development strategies across biologics development programmes.
• Provide scientific leadership for CMC development projects from early development through commercialisation.
• Act as a subject matter expert for CLD and USP activities, supporting technical decision-making across programmes.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance process productivity, robustness and product quality.
• Represent Upstream Process Development within multidisciplinary CMC teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external CMOs to support development, scale-up and technology transfer activities.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and technical documentation.
• Conduct technical assessments for new product opportunities and in-licensing activities.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

About You

We're looking for a scientifically driven leader with strong biologics development experience and the ability to influence across complex, matrixed environments.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience within biologics development.
• Deep expertise in Cell Line Development and/or Upstream Process Development.
• Strong experience working with CHO cell lines and mammalian cell culture processes.
• Experience leading CMC development activities across the product lifecycle.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience engaging with and managing activities CDMOs
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and technology transfer activities.
• Experience progressing biologic products from early to late-stage development and commercialisation.
• Demonstrated mentoring, coaching or leadership experience within scientific teams.

Why Join Ipsen?

• Flexible hybrid working.
• Opportunities to collaborate with international teams across the UK, Ireland and France.
• Exposure to a diverse and exciting biologics pipeline.
• A culture that values scientific excellence, innovation and continuous learning.
• The opportunity to mentor others while continuing to develop your own career within a global biopharmaceutical company.

If you're an experienced biologics scientist looking to make a significant impact across Cell Line Development, Upstream Process Development and CMC programmes, we'd love to hear from you.

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