OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

BioOutsource has a renowned expertise globally as a leader in the performance of comparability studies, where the Antibody Dependant Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of monoclonal antibody biosimilar molecules is compared to the activity of innovator molecules. This has provided us with a wealth of experience and data. The objective of this project is to collate and analyse the available data with an aim to further improve assay performance as an result of the greater understanding we will gain of “how and why” the assays work the way they do.

Job description

Project Description

The foundation of an ADCC assay is the formation of a complex between a target cell with surface expression of a particular antigen, and an effector cell originating from the immune system via an antibody. Formation of this synapse results in death of the target cell as a result of effector cell activity; an example of an antibody that can mediate ADCC activity is Rituxin, which has the ability to kill cancer cells that express CD20 on their cell surface. Successful performance of an ADCC assay relies on a number of factors, including functionality of the antibody, the skill of the analyst, environmental conditions, the type and condition of the target cells, and the preparation and characteristics of the effector cells. The aim of this project is to collate non-sample specific data from assays that have been performed at BioOutsource and then to analyse these data to identify trends that will add to the knowledge that we already possess.

Qualifications

This placement is part of The Scottish Life Sciences Internship Programme. The programme is only open to students in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year, who are studying an undergraduate Life Science Degree in Scotland. Candidates will be reviewed by their CV only, and can apply for a maximum of three placements. For more information please visit: Programme Overview

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Studying a relevant life science undergraduate degree (e.g. immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.)
• Attention to detail
• Ability to focus and concentrate
• Genuine interest in analysis of data, both statistically and by general identification of patterns and trends
• Proficient in the use of Excel (as a minimum), or other database software

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge and ability to perform statistical analyses in order to identify trends, causes and correlations
• Experience of working as a team, preferably in a service environment

Benefits

Company benefits

This role offers a great opportunity to work with an enthusiastic, dynamic team of individuals who possess a wide range of skills and experiences, and to gain exposure to a number of different roles and positions within Sartorius Stedim BioOutsource.

Placement benefits

The majority of the benefits will be recognised in the development of communication and team-based skills that will be required to succeed in the role. Additionally, the role offers the chance to gain experience in working in an organisation that is GxP compliant, and an understanding of the benefits of continual data review and ongoing process improvement.

Additional information

Location: Glasgow

Planned interview date: Between 18th – 29th April 2016

Preferred start date: 01/06/2016

Company information

BioOutsource is a Glasgow-based company founded in 2007 that was acquired in 2015 by Sartorius Stedim, and now operates as Sartorius Stedim BioOutsource. We are a CRO of approximately 115 people, but have an ambitious growth strategy for the foreseeable future with plans to expand our operations overseas in North America and Asia.

Alongside this, we have invested heavily to increase our capacity both in our Operations group (which performs industry-leading Biosafety and Bioanalytical sample testing, with a significant focus on monoclonal antibody biosimilars within the BioAnalytical group), and in our R&D and Technical Services group (which is involved in method development, implementation of new technologies, and provides an internal and external technical resource). BioOutsource has a gold-standard quality system in place and our Quality department play an integral role in the day-to-day business functions.

Company sector: Life Sciences

Company website: http://www.biooutsource.com/