Graduate associate scientist - UCB
UCB are currently looking for highly motivated scientists to join the CMC Development Sciences department at UCB’s UK Research and Development Hub in Slough. Working within Biologics Process Sciences you will be part of a team of scientists developing processes for the production of novel protein-based therapeutics for areas of unmet patient need.
Qualification Requirements
You must be a graduate with a bachelors degree in one of the following subjects:
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Biology/Biological Science
Chemical/ Biochemical Engineering
Pharmaceutical Science
Chemistry
Genetics
Salary - £28,000 per annum
Benefits -
Holiday Allowance - 28 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Employee assistance programme
Onsite parking
Onsite Canteen
Paid sick leave
Days off for volunteering
Employee recognition / awards
Location - 208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE until mid 2027 where UCB will move to new site Sunninghill Road, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PP
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 09:00am – 17:30pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break.
10 – 4 core working hours and making up the remaining time either side of these hours
UCB offers hybrid working. This is a lab based role requiring the majority of time onsite.
Duration - 12 months
Start Date - As soon as possible
Interview Date - As soon as possible
Closing Date for Applications - 11th June 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistanceNext Steps
Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email.
The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager
Job Description
The candidate will work in a team environment, collaborating with various process scientists (upstream and downstream) and analytical scientists. The successful candidate will utilize knowledge in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology and cellular metabolism to aid in process development and optimization of early stage clinical projects, process troubleshooting investigations, evaluation of cellular responses to process operations, assessment of effects on product quality, and determination of process scalability.
The position is laboratory based and will involve experimentation with bench-scale bioreactors (primarily 250mL single use), 200L single use bioreactors and associated disk stack centrifugation and pilot scale equipment. The candidate will apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles utilizing Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology and be responsible for some planning of activities, analyzing laboratory data and reporting back to project leader/line manager and team members on a regular basis. The candidate will produce accurate, traceable records of work, generating documentation for experimental reports to support technology transfer and regulatory filings (Development and Technical Report writing in English).
The candidate will also be expected to contribute to scientific development and technology development projects requiring innovative research, in order to improve USP and primary recovery processes and understanding. The candidate will be a proactive individual, able to demonstrate problem solving skills and have the ability to manage multiple tasks, with excellent communication skills.
Personal Qualities
Attention to detail
Ability to communicate openly and honestly
Good record keeping and organisational skills
Team player
Enthusiasm
Great communication skills
Great organisational skills and attention to detail
Things To Be Considered
Please ensure that you are willing and able to live within commutable distance of the company site before applying. This placement is located in Slough Cogent Skills Placements Service are managing the recruitment for this placement at our client's request, therefore we ask that applications are made through our website please. Please do not contact the Company directly.
About UCB
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on neurology and immunology.
UCB’s ambition is to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on neurology and immunology disorders – putting patients at the centre of our world. We are Inspired by Patients. Driven by Science and are now more than 9000 people in all four corners of the globe.
Our medicines treat millions of people around the world, and we are engaging with patients, their families and healthcare professionals to address their unmet needs. We want to enhance our understanding of disease and the real-life experiences of patients so that our teams can deliver the right drug and the right care to the right patient.
UCB is continuously working to advance science and embrace new knowledge. We are leveraging scientific advances and skills in areas such as genetics, biomarkers and human biology. Patients inspire us to bring them value through cutting-edge science, innovative treatments, and practical solutions – so that they and their carers can get on with their lives.
- Department
- Science Support
- Role
- Graduate Role
- Locations
- Berkshire
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Company
- UCB
- Industry Sector
- Life Sciences
- Role Level
- Graduate Role
- Full Address
- 208 Bath Rd, Slough SL1 3WE
UCB, Slough
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Diversity and Inclusion
Cogent Skills group (Cogent) is working hard to ensure a clear strategy towards proactively supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives that seeks to improve diversity and create opportunities for all. GDPR will be complied with when collecting and using this data and the data that you provide will be used for monitoring and analysis only.