GMP Stem Cell Scientist

King's College London, United Kingdom

Updated: 16 days ago
Location: Harrow N W and S, ENGLAND
Deadline: 10 Apr 2024

Job id: 086611. Salary: £32,979 - £35,487 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 20 March 2024. Closing date: 10 April 2024.

Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine.

Contact details:Heather Kneale. [email protected]

Location: Guy's Campus. Category: Professional & Support Services.


Job Description

Role purpose

The Ocular Cell and Gene Therapy group (OCGT), in the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (CGTRM), develops a wide variety of novel cell and gene therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on retinal disease.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of basic and clinical research in a group that is at the forefront of developing novel therapies for retinal disorders, with a major emphasis on translating research into clinical application. Led by Professors Robin Ali and Rachael Pearson (previously at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology), it is one of the largest cellular therapy groups in the country and is currently expanding. Over the past 20 years, the group has been optimising cell transplantation to the eye to develop novel therapeutic approaches for eye disease and in particular for disorders affecting the retina, including inherited retinal degeneration. The programme has already led to first-in-human clinical trials of gene and cell therapy for eye disease and we are now in the pre-clinical development phase for clinical trials for photoreceptor cell therapy.

Role profile

As part of the role profile, the successful candidate will be required to participate in activities related to stem cell culture, protocol development, facility and equipment maintenance, electronic record documentation. They will support pre-clinical R&D involving human stem cell derived retinal cells and help transition pre-clinical protocol process development towards GMP compliance.

The work will include day-to-day operations and execution of development and production runs, helping to co-ordinate the technical team and ensure the schedule is followed by participating in development, validation and manufacturing processes, liaising with the quality and technical teams, preparing documentation, identifying bottlenecks and reporting to Senior Management.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who is interested in working with stem cells and developing GMP-compliant manufacturing protocols. A biological background and previous experience of human cell culture and working to GMP conditions are highly desirable, but not essential. The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. The candidate should understand and be trained in house-keeping activities including medium preparation, sterilisation in autoclave, equipment calibration, maintenance, decontamination, environmental monitoring and routine operations to ensure cGMP compliance. Experience in MS Office computer skills is essential to create, access and submit reports for review and approval.

Further, the post holder may be required to take an active role in other projects within the Ocular Cell and Gene Therapy Group, as required by manager or head. This is a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant translational research environment. The post holder will work in a collaborative team environment with very high potential to learn new skills.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent


Key Responsibilities

Key Objectives:

  • Perform operations related to stem cell manufacturing as an active member of OCGT working on the development of stem cell-based therapies.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and engage in and undergo relevant training, including hands-on operations related to aseptic techniques, stem cell culture, cell sorting, GMP process, as required.
  • Update knowledge and understanding in the field of cell therapy.
  • Pro-actively support the GMP production and QC teams in the smooth transition of pre-clinical to GMP manufacturing.
  • Assist and support other members of the group, using a systematic and timely approach to solve problems, while handling multiple projects.
  • Provide cover in the absence of key production staff.
  • Manage own workload and resources based on an agreed work plan for achievement of project aims whilst also being responsive to changing priorities.
  • Use data analysis skills to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes 
  • Complete and submit up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive documentation records and laboratory reports, where applicable.
  • Attend and contribute to team meetings for periodic review and progress.
  • Complete assigned tasks in collaboration with other members of the wider team including Preclinical Research, GMP manufacturing, QC and Process Development teams, as required.
  • Forge relationships with colleagues in the university and externally, to build relationships, disseminate and get information, coordinate, and deliver the service.
  • Assist in the training of new staff, where appropriate.
  • Work to help the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices, recording progress through the King’s sustainability audit process and sharing good practice. 
  • Facilitate an inclusive culture and ethos working with academic, research and other professional services staff and colleagues external to King’s. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

A more comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities may be requested from Heather Kneale –[email protected]


Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

Qualifications and Training

  • Minimum level 3 qualification, e.g. A levels, AS levels, International Baccalaureate diploma or other Level 3 qualification, plus work experience in relevant technical/scientific posts OR Considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in relevant technical or scientific posts. 
  • Evidence of an active commitment to career development, such as professional registration with relevant organisations, undergoing practical, on the job training within a life sciences laboratory &/or clear progression in increasingly demanding jobs.
  • Background in stem cell handling, and hands-on experience in aseptic handling, cellular and molecular techniques (AP, I) 

    • Skills / Experience

  • Experience in standard molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g. cell culture, RT-PCR, histology, immunocytochemistry, cell splitting/dissociating).  
  • Experience in assisting with the daily maintenance tasks involved in a busy lab, including record keeping, stock checking and ordering, equipment maintenance and cleaning and helping to plan cell culture rotas (AP, I).  

    • Knowledge 

  • Understanding of cell therapy, bioprocessing &/or GLP/GMP manufacturing (AP, I) 

    • Competencies 

  • Experience in relevant aseptic and molecular and cellular techniques, (e.g. cell culture, RT-PCR, histology, immunocytochemistry, cell splitting/dissociating) (AP, I). 
  • Excellent organisation and record keeping skills and competency in completing and handling electronic or paper-based laboratory documentation, reports and records (AP, I). 
  • Clear spoken and written communication skills, excellent record keeping and attention to detail, ability to work with and contribute to the team success providing scientific input during meetings and keeping a healthy working atmosphere in the lab (AP, I). 
  • Willingness and ability to work outside core hours (AP, I) 

    • Desirable criteria 

  • Hands on experience of working with human stem cell cultures 
  • Competency in aseptic technique 
  • Experience of working to GLP/GMP standards. 
  • Experience of flow cytometry

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