Group Leader - Cell Line Development

Oxford Genetics, a leader in synthetic biology, is a specialised contract research organisation offering services to support the discovery, development and production of biologics, with a particular focus on viral vectors for gene therapy applications. A unifying theme across the portfolio is expertise in DNA design, expression system optimisation, cell line development and engineering of viral delivery systems. We are located within purpose-fitted laboratories at the Oxford Science Park, just South of Oxford. 
 
We are in a phase of rapid expansion and are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists and engineers to join the team and help facilitate the next stage of our development as a company. We aim to be both innovative and entrepreneurial in everything we do – join us and contribute to this exciting journey! 

Role Overview:

The appointee will be involved in a range of internal platform development and commercial projects, focusing on establishing cell line development processes in mammalian cells for the production of both therapeutic proteins and viral vectors for gene therapy applications. Oxford Genetics has a number of on-going programmes in this area, and multiple government supported grant awards, which the recipient will contribute towards. The Group Leader is expected to provide technical leadership within this area and will act as a subject matter expert within the company. The position will involve extensive interaction with both internal and external stakeholders, and the ability to show commitment to scientific development and innovation are considered essential. 

This position will interface with other Group Leaders within the company, in particular the leads for the Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics and Process Development teams. The position will report to the Chief Technology Officer. 

Key Responsibilities:

•    Day to day management of activities within Cell Line Development laboratories
•    Direct line management of CLD group 
•    To work closely with internal and external stakeholders to define project goals and deliverables, in line with planned project objectives
•    To keep up to date with the scientific literature and developments in the field
•    Set an example to other colleagues, and to train and mentor junior staff 
•    Provide project summaries and reporting, as required, along with taking overall responsibility for output from the group.
•    Support and contribute to protection and assessment of intellectual property
•    Promote and suggest implementation of new methods, technologies and processes to ensure best practice
•    To ensure established quality standards are strictly adhered to, across all on-going activities

Criteria:

•    A Ph.D or DPhil in a relevant discipline, along with several years industry experience applicable to the role.
•    Extensive knowledge of subject area, and ideally a strong network within academic and industry groups
•    Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal skills, including the ability to give presentations and to speak to groups 
•    High-level attention to detail
•    Experience in managing teams, both via direct line management and through matrix management 
•    Ability to work under demanding conditions, and to cope with shifting priorities
•    Good understanding of regulatory requirements for the generation of cell lines for biomanufacturing
•    An engineering mindset – good ability to utilize statistics to optimize processes and procedures
•    Experience in implementing automation platforms 
•    Advanced knowledge of genetic engineering tools and approaches

Job Type: Permanent
Hours: full time 
Salary: £40,000 – 50,000 per annum

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please apply online with your CV and covering letter stating ref no 0137.

Please check your email for confirmation that your application has been received and to follow further instructions if applicable.