Research Fellow in Biopharmaceutical Economics & Sustainability Modelling

Job Description

Research Fellow in Biopharmaceutical Economics & Sustainability Modelling: Grade: 7

Department: Biochemical Engineering: Location: London, Bloomsbury Campus

Reports to

Prof Suzanne Farid and Dr Brenda Parker – Prosperity Partnership Work Package Leads

Context

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.

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.

Main purpose of the job

This post forms part of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership “Next-Gen Biopharma Manufacturing 5.0” between UCL and AstraZeneca. This role will contribute to evaluating the economic and environmental impact of next-generation biomanufacturing technologies, supporting more sustainable and cost-effective development pathways for advanced biologics though data-driven decision-making. The postholder will lead on 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 decisional tools will be applied to real-world case studies in collaboration with AstraZeneca to generate insights that inform strategic choices and industrial implementation.

Duties and responsibilities

Conduct research to build and apply cost modelling and life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks for evaluating biopharmaceutical processes.

Integrate technoeconomic models, sustainability models, uncertainty analysis and optimisation algorithms to support decision-making on technology selection and process design.

Co-develop and analyse case studies with AstraZeneca and industrial working groups to assess cost and sustainability trade-offs and demonstrate real-world impact.

Develop decisional tools and clear visualisations to communicate results to academic and industry stakeholders.

Prepare high-quality publications, conference presentations and progress reports.

Collaborate with other researchers across UCL and AstraZeneca sites, attending joint meetings and sharing knowledge across work packages.

Contribute to training of postgraduate researchers and support wider dissemination of methods and tools.

Undertake limited teaching duties (up to 6 hours per week including preparation), as agreed with the Head of Department.

Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager or Head of Department.

General

Follow and actively promote the UCL Ways of Working.

Takes responsibility to carry out duties in a way that embodies UCL's environmental and social sustainability values, actively supporting UCL's Sustainability Strategy, policies and objectives within the remit of their role.

This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples. You will be scored on how you meet each criteria.

Essential Criteria: Assessment method (Application form/ Interview / Practical Test)

Qualifications, experience and knowledge

A PhD (or near completion) in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sustainability, industrial engineering or a related discipline.: Application Expertise in techno-economic modelling and/or life cycle assessment methods.: Application/ Interview Understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and process development.: Application/ Interview Experience working on interdisciplinary research projects.: Application/ Interview Evidence of research outputs appropriate to career stage (e.g. peer-reviewed publications, conference papers): Application/ Interview

Skills and abilities

Strong programming and data analysis skills for modelling, visualisation and/or tool development.: Application/ Interview Ability to develop and apply models integrating technical, environmental and /or economic metrics.: Application/ Interview Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data clearly to a range of audiences.: Application/ Interview Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and meet deadlines.: Application/ Interview Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines.: Application/ Interview

UCL Ways of Working

Commitment to UCL’s Ways of Working, including a proactive, inclusive and impact-oriented approach to research and collaboration.: Application/ Interview

Desirable Criteria

Experience developing decision-support tools for biomanufacturing applications.: Application/ Interview Familiarity with LCA software, multi-objective optimisation, uncertainty analysis in biotechnology or pharmaceutical contexts.: Application/ Interview Commitment to and knowledge of advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.: Interview