Associate Principal Development Scientist – Cell Processing and Gene Modification Lead

Location: Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France

Who are we?

We are RoslinCT, a world-leading cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organisation creating cutting-edge therapies that change people’s lives.

Collaborative, dedicated and talented people are the backbone of our culture, working both autonomously and in driven teams to make life-changing products utilising ground-breaking science.

Find out more about what we do here!

Why join us?

• The opportunity to join a rapidly expanding company which is changing lives, giving you the skills and experience to develop your career.
• A generous salary package – we reward our people at the level they deserve.
• 31 days of annual leave, plus 4 public holidays which increases with tenure.
• A competitive company pension scheme to help you save for the future.
• Group Life Cover – you are automatically covered for three times your basic salary to give you and your family peace of mind.
• Private healthcare and access to mental health/wellbeing support as your health and wellbeing means a lot to us.
• Flexible benefits such as retail discounts and access to the Cycle2Work scheme.

Your new role

• We are looking for an Associate Principal Development Scientist – Cell Processing and Gene Modification Lead to join our team!
• This senior position which has a significant hands-on component has responsibility for providing Leadership to the Process Development Cell Processing and Gene Modification Team within Process Development.
• Provide vision and strategic scientific leadership in a hands-on setting i.e. sharing cell culture work and providing practical technical SME support to others in the Process Development Cell Processing and Gene Modification team.
• Ensure strategic alignment with the Chief Scientific and Technology Officer, Innovation, and QC departments.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for iPSC derivation, gene modification, cell processing, scale-up, and cell separation technologies.
• Develop cell product manufacturing unit operations, including apheresis processing, target cell selection, cell differentiation or activation, cell engineering, delivery methods (e.g., electroporation), cell expansion, harvest, formulation, and cryopreservation.
• Collaborate with Business Development to scope/cost new projects and win new business.
• Develop plans for method development, transfer, and qualification.
• Work closely with RoslinCT’s MSAT/Manufacturing departments to establish product-specific manufacturing strategies.
• Transfer new methods and technologies into RoslinCT’s MSAT department.
• Stay abreast of global Cell and Gene Therapy/Sterile Manufacturing regulatory guidelines and trends.
• Formulate realistic, tangible plans and solutions aligned with multi-project deliverables.
• Communicate complex messages effectively to all levels within the organisation.
• Directly manage Cell Processing and Gene Modification Scientists, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Ensure quality, compliance, and good laboratory practices (non-GMP and GMP).
• Manage change, including work patterns, project scopes, and ad hoc events.
• Review technical reports, investigations, complex change controls, deviations, and risk assessments.
• Promote high standards of good laboratory practices and technical report writing.
• Strive for consistent right-first-time execution in all operations.
• Own and influence policies and procedures relevant to your area of responsibilities.
• Maintain professional communication with colleagues, client representatives, and the wider scientific community.

About you

• Hands-on experience in Cell and Gene Therapy cell process development and current technologies.
• Proven leadership experience and the ability to work effectively with multiple teams.
• Familiarity with cell product manufacturing unit operations, including apheresis processing, target cell selection, cell differentiation or activation, cell engineering, delivery methods (e.g., electroporation), cell expansion, harvest, formulation, and cryopreservation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Exceptional organisational, time management, and computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).
• A determination to succeed with a "can-do" attitude, emotional resilience, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work above and beyond as needed.

Qualifications

• A Life Sciences Degree, Master, or PhD in a related subject, with previous experience in a CDMO manufacturing-focused environment.

Next Steps

If this sounds like you, then please hit ‘Apply’ now! We will ask you to upload your CV and complete a short application form detailing why you are interested and why we should hire you!

At RoslinCT, we’re all about inclusivity and creating a fair, welcoming workplace. Our goal is to make sure everyone knows they’re valued and encouraged to be themselves, whether they’re our employees, customers, or partners.

We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer. We treat all applicants fairly and don’t discriminate based on any protected characteristics. So, no matter who you are, we welcome your application with open arms.

If you’ve got any specific needs or concerns regarding accessibility during the recruitment process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at jobs@roslinct.com. We’re here to assist and make things as smooth as possible for you.