At Bactolife, we are looking for a skilled and curious Scientist to join our Assay Development & Analytics team. You will play a key role in developing the analytical methods that underpin the characterization, stability, quality control, and release of our innovative Binding Protein ingredients.

This is a hands-on scientific role where you will combine experimental work, data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration to turn analytical questions into robust, reliable methods.

What you will do

You will take ownership of the development, optimization, standardization, and validation of quantitative analytical methods, with a particular focus on HPLC-based protein analytics.

Your work will include:

• Developing and optimizing HPLC methods for the identification and quantification of proteins, including size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and affinity chromatography.

• Designing and executing stability studies to establish optimal storage conditions and product formats for Bactolife’s Binding Protein ingredients.

• Planning and performing experiments, analysing data, interpreting results, and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.

• Supporting analytical method transfer to external partners and ensuring methods perform reliably outside the development laboratory.

• Supporting product release and QC activities, as well as in-house strain and process optimization.

• Providing analytical data and insights that help our commercial team address the needs of Bactolife’s customers.

• Troubleshooting chromatography systems and other analytical equipment.

• Investigating out-of-specification (OOS) results and analytical deviations, identifying root causes, and implementing appropriate solutions.

• Writing and maintaining SOPs, study protocols, analytical reports, and other technical documentation.

• Ensuring that analytical methods and results are robust, accurate, traceable, and aligned with relevant quality and regulatory requirements.

You will work closely with colleagues across R&D, process development, quality, and commercial functions, giving you the opportunity to see how your analytical work contributes to the development and delivery of Bactolife’s products.

What you bring

We are looking for someone who is scientifically curious, enjoys hands-on laboratory work, and approaches analytical challenges with both creativity and rigor.

You have:

• An MSc and PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, food technology, or a related field, with a strong understanding of protein chemistry.

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in analytical development or QC, preferably within the pharma, food, feed, or related industries.

• Practical experience with SEC and affinity chromatography, preferably using HPLC/UPLC.

• Experience with Chromeleon is an advantage.

• A structured and meticulous approach to experimental work, data analysis, and documentation.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot analytical challenges independently.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with ELISA and/or SPR is an advantage.

Who you are

You are the kind of scientist who doesn't stop at “the assay didn't work.” You want to understand why, develop a hypothesis, test it, and keep refining the method until it works reliably.

You are comfortable working independently but enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team. You care about scientific quality and good documentation, while also understanding that analytical development is ultimately about enabling decisions and moving products forward.

Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to apply your analytical expertise to real-world challenges and innovative protein-based products.

If you are excited by the combination of protein analytics, hands-on laboratory work, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact, we would love to hear from you.