Want to help change how the world is fed?

Uncommon began its journey as Higher Steaks and recently underwent a transformative rebranding. Our new brand and identity truly reflects our mission, values, and the positive global influence we aspire to achieve. We transform the global food system by making delicious and nutritious food – from animal cells and plants. We are pioneering the development of cultivated meat to solve some of the world’s growing challenges in health, sustainability and animal welfare.

We're a purpose, science and engineering-driven company dedicated to creating breakthrough technologies that will push the boundaries of what’s possible – delivering innovations that benefit people, the planet and animals.

Our brilliant team are experts in their respective fields, drawn from around the world. We’re passionate, curious, innovative and at the forefront of the ground-breaking work being done in this exciting and rapidly growing sector. Uncommon is a well-funded biotech company; we’ve experienced spectacular growth over the last few years and continue to accelerate every month.

We are growing rapidly again this year so this is a great time to join us and solve one of the most important challenges we face today!

The role

We are looking for an accomplished scientist with expertise in cell media formulation to contribute to our innovative research and development initiatives, driving the transition of cultured meat from lab to commercial scale.

A key challenge in the industry is achieving cost-effectiveness at scale, necessitating the development of affordable cell culture media to maximise product yield. You will lead the research and development pipeline, focusing on scalable cell culture media strategies for Porcine-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and their derivatives.

Based in our state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge, UK, this role primarily involves laboratory work on-site, with some flexibility in working arrangements.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the formulation of cost-effective cell culture media to support the growth of stem cells and differentiated cells in suspension, ensuring team objectives align with milestones.
• Develop novel chemically-defined media using chemical and analytical techniques, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (biomaterial scientists, chemists, bioprocess engineers, molecular biologists) to address challenges.
• Establish assays, workflows, and procedures for media component qualification.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to set and track objectives.
• Ensure media and associated processes meet required standards with support from the Quality and Regulatory teams.
• Autonomously lead multidisciplinary projects and manage the media development team
• Collaborate closely with Heads and Team Leads in Stem Cell Development, Differentiation, and Bioprocess to refine critical aspects of cell development processes.

What we think you need:

• Degree in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience in cell culture media development.
• Understanding of various component chemistries and media compositions.
• Experience in suspension cell culture with proficiency in cell growth analytics.
• Line management experience and the ability to adapt to unforeseen events in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills with a goal-oriented mindset.
• Passion for leveraging your skillset to drive positive change.

We’d love it if you also have:

• PhD
• Experience with iPSC and differentiation.
• Familiarity working within a quality system.
• Proficiency in protein analysis methods (e.g., HPLC, GLC, ELISA).
• Knowledge of bioprocessing and mammalian bioreactors.

Reward

Alongside a competitive base salary, all our people get these benefits:

• Share options
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Enhanced parental leave pay
• Cycle-to-work scheme and gym membership
• Flexible hours
• "Make your work life easier" annual stipend
• Regular team dinners and social activities
• Snacks, fruits, tea, coffee and more!

Uncommon recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, and other protected status as required by applicable law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions, responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position, and Uncommon Limited retains the discretion to modify.