Senior Scientist, Downstream, Late-Stage Process Development
Agcbio
At a glance
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Work type
- Onsite
- Category
- Research
Senior Scientist, Downstream, Late-Stage Process Development in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lead downstream development activities for mammalian cell culture processes, support late-stage development, collaborate across upstream, downstream and analytical disciplines, and guide execution with technicians.
What they are looking for
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Join a fast-paced process development team where scientific expertise, collaboration and practical problem-solving help advance projects. As Senior Scientist, you will lead downstream development activities for mammalian cell culture processes, supporting their progression through late-stage development.
You will work closely with clients, laboratory technicians and colleagues across upstream, downstream and analytical disciplines. The role combines scientific leadership, study design, data interpretation and technical writing. Most hands-on laboratory work will be performed by technicians; you will work closely with them to develop protocols, design experiments and guide execution, ensuring studies are scientifically sound and generate decision-quality data.
A role with scientific ownership and real project impact
As a Senior Scientist, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of downstream development activities and contribute directly to the progression of projects. You will combine your scientific expertise with practical problem-solving and collaborate with both internal colleagues and clients.
The role gives you exposure to different projects, technologies and challenges rather than focusing on one narrow area. You will be involved in shaping studies, interpreting data and turning scientific findings into clear recommendations that support project decisions.
Your work will also give you the opportunity to collaborate closely with laboratory technicians and scientists, allowing you to stay connected to the practical side of process development while taking a leading role in the scientific direction.
Key responsibilities
Lead and coordinate downstream development activities for assigned projects, working with clients and cross-functional teams to align on project needs and deliver outcomes.
Plan and evaluate downstream processes, including chromatography using ÄKTA systems and filtration operations such as depth filtration, virus filtration and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF).
Design studies and author practical protocols in close collaboration with laboratory technicians; provide scientific guidance during experimental execution.
Interpret study results, apply appropriate statistical approaches—including design of experiments (DoE) where relevant—and communicate findings through clear presentations and reports.
Contribute to process characterization, including failure mode and risk assessments such as FMEA, and author process characterization (PC) work reports.
Support investigations and deviation handling by assessing technical causes, interpreting relevant data, and documenting conclusions and follow-up actions.
Provide scientific and technical input to business activities and support the generation of information for regulatory submissions.
Required qualifications and experience
Education: Master’s or PhD in Biochemistry, Biochemical or Chemical Engineering, Process Technology, or a related discipline.
Industrial experience: 5+ years with a Master’s degree, or 2+ years with a PhD.
Downstream development: Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture processes.
Unit operations: Chromatography and filtration; ideally ÄKTA systems and TFF systems.
Study execution and data: Ability to plan, analyze and report complex development studies, including statistical analysis.
Project work: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with scientific rigour and attention to detail.
Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to explain technical findings clearly to clients and colleagues.
Language: Fluent written and spoken English.
Preferred qualifications and experience
Process Characterization and FMEA
Viral clearance studies or activities.
Commercial manufacturing requirements and biologics regulatory frameworks, including relevant ICH guidelines and BLA submission requirements.
Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE), including experimental design, data analysis, and evaluation using SAS JMP
Liquid-handling automation, such as Tecan systems.
What will help you succeed
You take ownership, bring a practical can-do attitude and are comfortable working at pace. You collaborate closely with technicians and colleagues, communicate openly, and use data and sound scientific judgement to find a way forward as project needs and priorities evolve.
What you can expect from us
We want you to have the opportunity to use your scientific expertise while continuing to develop professionally. In this role, you can expect:
Scientific ownership: Take responsibility for development activities and influence how studies are designed and executed.
Variety: Work across different projects, technologies and scientific challenges rather than doing the same thing every day.
Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with scientists, technicians, upstream and analytical colleagues as well as clients.
Client exposure: Develop your ability to communicate scientific findings and recommendations directly with clients and contribute to project discussions.
Professional development: Continue developing your expertise in downstream processing, process characterization, data analysis and late-stage development.
Impact: See how your scientific work contributes to advancing biopharmaceutical processes towards later-stage development and manufacturing.
A team where science and collaboration go hand in hand
You will become part of a team where scientific knowledge, practical experience and collaboration are important to how we work. We value people who share knowledge, ask questions and are willing to challenge and support each other.
You will work closely with experienced colleagues across different disciplines, giving you the opportunity to learn from others while also bringing your own expertise to the team.
We believe that good science is strengthened by open communication, different perspectives and a willingness