We are seeking an experienced scientist (ideally PhD level) to join our Formulation Development team in Cambridge as a Manager. This is a hands‑on, laboratory‑based leadership role, combining deep scientific expertise with responsibility for people, projects, and client delivery. The role is well suited to an experienced formulation scientist who enjoys remaining close to the science while taking accountability for high‑quality project execution and team development.
You will lead client‑facing formulation development projects across a diverse portfolio, acting as a scientific point of reference for formulation strategy, experimental design, data interpretation, and risk assessment. In parallel, you will provide day‑to‑day leadership within the team, supporting workload planning, reviewing data and documentation, and coaching scientists to develop their technical and professional capabilities.
About The TeamThe Formulation Development team in Abzena Cambridge provides formulation solutions across the biotherapeutic development lifecycle, from early pre‑clinical screening through to later‑stage studies such as clinical in‑use and container compatibility.
The team has strong expertise in the formulation of liquid biologics for intravenous and sub‑cutaneous administration, with particular depth in high‑concentration drug products.The team works closely with the wider Analytics group and other scientific functions to deliver integrated, client‑focused solutions for a broad range of customers, from emerging biotech and academic partners through to large pharmaceutical companies.
Responsibilities
Project & Scientific Leadership
Lead and manage formulation development projects or multiple concurrent studies, ensuring high scientific standards, robust data generation, and on‑time delivery.
Design, plan, and oversee routine and complex formulation and analytical studies, including the development or application of novel or specialised techniques where required.
Critically analyse, interpret, and review experimental data generated by yourself and other team members.
Take ownership of client deliverables, including study plans, data packages, technical reports, and presentations.
Actively participate in client meetings, contributing scientific insight, recommendations, and clear communication of results.
Contribute to cross‑group projects by working collaboratively with colleagues across Analytics and other departments.
People & Team Leadership
Manage your own workload and oversee the work schedules and priorities of junior scientists and direct reports.
Provide scientific supervision of complex work, offering guidance and constructive feedback to maintain high standards of quality and compliance.
Review laboratory notebooks, data, and reports produced by team members.
Coach and mentor scientists to support their technical development, problem‑solving skills, and professional growth.
Contribute to performance management activities, including objective setting, feedback, and development discussions.
Technology, Quality & Business Contribution
Author and/or review Quality and Controlled documents in line with internal systems and regulatory expectations.
Contribute to the development of new technologies, methodologies, or service offerings within formulation development.
Identify areas of research, innovation, or capability improvement that could enhance service provision.
Act as a project lead or champion for technology development initiatives, working with colleagues and Business Development to support commercialisation.
Provide technical input into proposals, standard study designs, and work plans.
Identify potential equipment or capability investments and make recommendations to senior management.
Qualifications
PhD in a life science discipline (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences) or equivalent relevant experience.
5+ years of experience preferred
Significant industrial experience in protein formulation development and/or protein analytical characterisation.
Demonstrated experience planning and leading scientific projects in a client‑facing or commercial environment.
Experience supervising, coaching, or mentoring scientists, or clear readiness to step into a people management role.
Strong understanding of analytical techniques relevant to biotherapeutic development, such as SE‑HPLC, IEX, CE‑SDS, and icIEF.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to review high‑quality reports and present complex data clearly.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, problem‑solving approach.
You will join a collaborative and supportive environment where scientific excellence and professional development are strongly encouraged. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, exposure to a wide variety of client programmes, and the opportunity to further develop your leadership career while remaining closely engaged with impactful science.
UK EEO:
Abzena is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All our employees and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (“Protected Characteristics”).
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