Assistant Scientist USP/DSP

For our team in Leiden we are looking for an Assistant Scientist USP/DSP. As an Assistant Scientist USP/DSP you have a passion for precision and excellence in laboratory settings. The Lab you're going to work in supports the Life Cycle Management of commercial products and Secondary Technology Transfers.

This lab conducts satellite runs in Leiden for complex investigations, process improvements, and serves as a non-routine sample hub. Please note that this is a temporary position, with an expected end date of 30 June 2027. Your activities will include: Execute experiments and tasks as assigned, following established procedures, and submit data outcomes to management and internal customers.

Support upstream and downstream processing activities, including laboratory-scale experiments using bioreactors, chromatography and filtration systems. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards. Conduct routine testing and analysis to support scientific teams in achieving research goals.

Manage sample handling, preparation, and storage in compliance with established protocols. Document and report data accurately, contributing to technical reports and manuscripts while supporting the laboratory's knowledge base. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize laboratory processes and workflows. Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform routine maintenance and calibration tasks.

Actively participate in project meetings and assist team members in achieving research goals. Maintain up-to-date lab documentation in accordance with established standards. If required for process continuity is able to perform limited work during weekends and bank holiday

Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedicine, process technology (or equivalent). 1-2 years’ relevant work experience in a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical industry environment.

Practical experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation for upstream and/or downstream processing equipment such as bioreactors, AKTA chromatography systems and filtration systems Know-how of laboratory analytical methods such as HPLC, cell count, osmolality, pH and conductivity measurements Knowledge of large molecule drug substance (API) manufacturing process development, root-cause problem solving and lean practices is preferred Familiar with maintaining records of work in the form of laboratory notebooks (paper or electronic) Proven ability to follow standard procedures and provide insights for process improvements The ability to report and present findings to peers and project leads Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, identifies and reports hazards, follows safe work practices Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Working at PSS means working in a team where people support each other, take responsibility for their work and stay closely connected to the client environment they work in. You will be part of an international setting, with colleagues who value clear communication, teamwork and a good working atmosphere. We believe it is important that people can keep developing in their role.

That is why we offer specialist training and opportunities to build your knowledge and skills further. We also make time to stay connected as a team, for example through monthly team lunches, team activities and moments where colleagues are recognized for their contribution.

We offer: A responsible position within the team; Room to share your ideas and input; Specialist training and opportunities for personal and professional development; 31 vacation days per year based on a full-time employment contract, with the option to purchase 5 additional days; The option to use gross/net benefit schemes for sports and the purchase of a bicycle; Access to an online preventive mental health platform; A flexible start time between 07:00 and 09:00, depending on team planning and operational needs; A suitable salary and additional benefits.

Working at PSS gives you the personal approach of a medium-sized organization, with the wider network and structure of Eurofins as a parent company. In your work, you regularly interact with other companies and scientists within the Eurofins group, which brings variety to the role. This also means there may be opportunities to grow, depending on your role, experience and development. Would you like to know more?

For questions about the position, you can contact the hiring team via the ‘I’m interested’ button below. Acquisition for this vacancy is not appreciated.

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable.

From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services.

It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies.

In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to over 62,000 staff across a network of more than 1000 independent companies in over 62 countries and operating more than 900 laboratories.

Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services, as one of the leading global emerging players in specialised clinical diagnostics testing.

In 2025, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.296 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years. Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions® is a global, award-winning insourcing solution. We place our skilled team directly at the client site, managing operations seamlessly and eliminating complexities.

We ensure a strategic, long-term service commitment that delivers value directly at the client' site, utilising their facilities, equipment, and methodologies, while maintaining the same service, expertise, and cGMP compliance available at the Eurofins facility.

If you're an employee seeking an exceptional career journey, Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions® is your gateway to a future where innovation, collaboration, and success converge. Join us in a world where excellence knows no boundaries!