Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D UK Centre (Cambridge), Research and Development, Orion Pharma
Orion Pharma
Cambridge, England, United KingdomPosted 13 days agoFull-time
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Research Associate, Antibody & Protein Purification, R&D UK Centre (Cambridge),
Research and Development, Orion Pharma
The Antibody Purification and Analytics group is a core part of the newly
established Orion Biologics R&D UK Centre, responsible for supporting the
discovery and development of next-generation biologics, including multispecific
antibodies, antigens, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-Ts, from early
research through clinical development.
Orion Pharma has newly established a Biologics Research & Development Centre in
the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Centre
represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics
modalities by Orion Pharma. The Centre’s mission is to accelerate the company's
biologics research and development efforts.
The Biologics R&D Centre complements Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland,
where the company was founded in 19
17. Currently, Orion possesses all of the
functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development
in Finland. Orion’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in
building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific
antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T
cells (CAR-T).
Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic
values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest
interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home
life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to
meeting the company’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics
discovery and development.
We are seeking a highly motivated Purification Research Associate to establish
and support Orion Pharma’s purification platform. This role will be pivotal in
supporting a growing and dynamic pipeline of biologics with a focus on
delivering high-quality material for downstream analytics, functional testing,
and eventually clinical development.
• Your responsibilities include the following:
• Execute purification protocols for recombinant antibodies, antigens, ADC and
CAR-T components using techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g.,
Protein A/G/L, IMAC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange
(IEX), multimodal chromatography (MMC) and hydrophobic interaction
chromatography (HIC).
• Support the development and optimisation of purification workflows, including
buffer preparation and method troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records by documenting
purification conditions and observations in electronic lab notebooks, and
ensure procedures are regularly updated and current.
• Perform routine protein quality assessments using SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy,
HPLC, and other analytical tools.
• Track and analyze experimental data to support interpretation and
decision-making within the purification team.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including calibration of instruments,
inventory management, and ensuring proper operation of purification equipment
(e.g., ÄKTA systems).
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across functions (Antibody Expression,
Analytical, Antibody Discovery and Engineering, Functional Biology) to
support project timelines and goals.
• Participate in team meetings and discussions, sharing experimental results
and contributing ideas to improve workflows and problem-solving.
• Comply with all safety and quality standards, following internal SOPs and
maintaining a clean, organized work environment.
This position will report to the Antibody & Protein Purification Team Lead
within Orion Pharma’s iMeds/R&D organization.
Description of our organization
Orion Pharma’s Innovative Medine’s innovations are within its R&D organization.
The organisation employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and
development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. Orion R&D has
offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New
York, NY, USA.
We offer
A unique opportunity for an enthusiastic Antibody Purification RA to gain
experience purifying novel protein formats using a range of chromatography
techniques. The role will help strengthen and optimise purification capabilities
at our new Cambridge, UK location and contribute to the development of a
state-of-the-art antibody discovery powerhouse, with the full support of Orion
Pharma iMeds/R&D
A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with
possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.
The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for
patients.
An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues,
continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer
https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.
Our expectations: A BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline, with 1-3 years of practical
laboratory experience gained through industry, academic research, or other
relevant laboratory work.
• Hands-on experience in purification of antibodies and recombinant proteins,
employing techniques such as affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A/G/L,
IMAC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange (IEX), multimodal
chromatography (MMC) and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).
• Familiarity with complex biologics such as bispecific or multispecific
antibodies and ADC constructs is advantageous.
• Understanding of basic downstream processing principles and interest in
learning about process development and developability assessment for
biologics.
• General knowledge of antibody structure-function relationships and how they
can affect purification and stability is desirable.
• Basic experience with protein characterisation techniques, such as SDS-PAGE,
UV spectrophotometry, Endotoxin measurement, or HPLC.
• Demonstrated ability to follow operating procedures, maintain detailed
laboratory records, and contribute to data reporting and interpretation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work
effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high
standards of lab safety, data integrity, and reproducibility.
#LI-ORION
How to apply and
additional information
We typically review applications already during the application period and may
start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we
invite you to send your application as soon as possible.
Please attach your CV and cover letter by 27 October 2026
Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder
of well-being for over a hundred years.
We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be
known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma,
people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a
culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for
excellence, and build the future.
Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary
pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio
includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products.
The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain.
Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer,
neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.
We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to
the fullest.
About Orion [https://www.orionpharma.com/about-orion/]