About us
The "Next-Gen Biopharma Manufacturing 5.0" Prosperity Partnership is a 5-year collaborative programme between UCL Biochemical Engineering and AstraZeneca, jointly funded by EPSRC and AstraZeneca. It aims to transform antibody manufacturing using AI, automation, digital twins and advanced analytics to improve production of therapies for cancer, obesity and autoimmune conditions. Delivered through the UCL-AstraZeneca Centre of Excellence, the programme will appoint six postdoctoral researchers to work across UCL and AstraZeneca sites, combining computational and experimental approaches.
This Research Fellow position sits at the heart of this transformation. Your economic and sustainability research will directly inform and guide the strategic decisions that shape how we reimagine biopharmaceutical manufacturing. By developing robust models that evaluate cost, environmental impact and resource efficiency, you'll provide the evidence base that drives innovation from concept to implementation. Your work will bridge cutting-edge science and real-world application, ensuring that the next generation of manufacturing technologies are not only technically advanced but economically viable and environmentally responsible.
UCL Biochemical Engineering is a global leader in bioprocess engineering research and education, with a mission to develop innovative biomanufacturing solutions for health and a sustainable bioeconomy. The department combines world-class facilities, strong industrial links, and an interdisciplinary research culture. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company with a focus on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals.
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join this ambitious Prosperity Partnership between UCL and AstraZeneca and work in a cross-disciplinary team across both UCL (London) and AstraZeneca (Cambridge) sites. This role will evaluate the economic and environmental impact of next-generation biomanufacturing technologies, supporting more sustainable and cost-effective development pathways for advanced biologics through data-driven decision-making.
You will lead the development of integrated techno-economic and life cycle assessment models, incorporating uncertainty analysis and multi-objective optimisation to evaluate and optimise the cost, carbon footprint and resource impacts of emerging bioprocess strategies. These decision-support tools will be applied to real-world case studies in collaboration with AstraZeneca, generating insights that inform strategic choices and guide industrial implementation.
This role is funded for 2 years in the first instance, with potential for extension.
About you
You will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline such as biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental sustainability, or a related field. Essential to this role is demonstrated expertise in both techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment, supported by strong quantitative modelling and analytical skills.
While prior experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical sector would be beneficial, it is not essential-you will have the opportunity to develop industry-specific knowledge through close collaboration with AstraZeneca colleagues and exposure to real manufacturing and process development challenges. What matters most is that you bring solid foundations in sustainability assessment and economic modelling, along with the ability to apply these methods to complex industrial systems.
You will have experience working on interdisciplinary research projects and be motivated to deliver practical, real-world impact. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach are essential, as is the ability to work independently and take ownership of your research. Experience developing decision-support tools, familiarity with LCA software, and skills in optimisation and uncertainty analysis would be advantageous. A commitment to UCL's values and to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.
Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
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