Associate Operator / Operator I

Work with us
Our team are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and Autoimmune disease to deliver life-changing treatments to patients.

Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork – together we are ONE Autolus.

Job Description:

Job Title: Associate Operator / Operator I

Reports to Manager, Production

Department: Production

Hours: Shift based: The role operates on a Sunday-to-Wednesday or Wednesday-to-Saturday shift pattern, with every alternate Wednesday scheduled as a non-working day. Employees rotate every two weeks between early shifts (06:00–17:00) and late shifts (12:00–23:00).

Location: Stevenage

About Autolus

Autolus is a biopharmaceutical company, advancing innovative therapies at both clinical and commercial stages of development, focused on next-generation, programmed T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Using a broad suite of proprietary and modular T cell programming technologies, the company is engineering precisely targeted, controlled, and highly active T cell therapies designed to better recognize cancer cells, break down their defence mechanisms, and eliminate these cells. Autolus has a pipeline of product candidates in development for the treatment of haematological malignancies, solid tumours, and autoimmune diseases.

Why Autolus

Our team is passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and autoimmune diseases to deliver life-changing treatments to patients. Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse, and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork. In addition to this Autolus is proud to offer a competitive salary, performance related bonus as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

Our Promise

Autolus is developing complex, breakthrough therapies for a globally diverse market and equally recognises that diversity amongst our people is critical to our mission. As we draw on our differences, what we’ve experienced, and how we work, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Role Summary

Please note, this is an evergreen talent pool for future opportunities within our Production team in Stevenage. By applying, you will be considered for upcoming Associate Operator and Operator I positions as our manufacturing teams continue to develop.

This role sits within our Production team, where we share a mission to manufacture and deliver autologous cell therapy products to patients. This is a hands-on manufacturing role, with approximately 85% of your time spent working within our GMP cleanroom environment.

We are recruiting across two levels:

Associate Operator – an entry-level opportunity for people looking to build a career in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Previous GMP or cleanroom experience is not required.

Operator I – for candidates with GMP manufacturing, cleanroom or relevant transferable experience who are ready to take on greater technical responsibility.

Both roles are based on-site in Stevenage and operate on a bi-weekly shift rotation.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your level, experience and training, you will:

• Execute production processes in accordance with GMP and approved procedures
• Operate production and cell-processing equipment
• Complete production documentation accurately and on time
• Support cleanroom maintenance, environmental monitoring, cleaning and material transfers
• Follow all safety, quality, GMP and training requirements
• Identify and raise quality or safety concerns
• Support continuous improvement activities

As you progress, you will also undertake cell culture activities including sampling, counting, washing, activation, feeding and harvesting, as well as labelling, reconciliation and drug product visual inspection

Working in our GMP Cleanrooms

Both roles involve working within controlled GMP cleanrooms and following strict contamination-control requirements.

This includes:

• Changing into designated cleanroom clothing and protective garments
• Following strict handwashing and disinfection procedures
• Removing jewellery, watches, personal electronic devices, makeup, nail polish, false nails and false eyelashes before entering
• Wearing appropriate head and facial-hair coverings
• Reporting relevant illness, skin conditions or open wounds that may affect cleanroom entry
• Following required cleanroom behaviours and procedures at all times

Full cleanroom and gowning training is provided. Individual requirements, including religious head coverings, are supported in line with our cleanroom controls

Demonstrated skills and competencies

E – Essential

P – Preferred

Experience

Associate Operator

• Previous GMP or cleanroom experience is not required
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures – E
• Good communication, organisation and teamwork – E
• Willingness to learn and develop in a regulated manufacturing environment – E
• Shift-working or relevant manufacturing experience – P

Operator I

• GMP manufacturing/cleanroom experience or relevant transferable skills – E
• Shift-working experience – E
• Understanding of GxP production – E
• Sterile or ATMP manufacturing knowledge – P
• Ability to support junior colleague development – P

Qualifications

• Appropriate literacy, numeracy and computer skills
• Further education qualification/degree in STEM and/or relevant hands-on
• GMP manufacturing experience, depending on level

Skills/Specialist knowledge

• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Good communication, organisation and teamwork
• Commitment to quality and safety
• Ability to make appropriate decisions within a regulated environment
• For Operator I, detailed understanding of GxP production and the ability to contribute to GMP documentation

Autolus Core Competencies

Focus on Results: Works to meet business goals set by management and leaders

Builds Trust and Relationships: Ensures trust with internal and external partners by delivering on commitments

Resilience: Has the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

Communicates and Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet objectives

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Autolus’ success is driven by equality and inclusion; we believe all voices are of equal value and must be heard. Whilst operating with focus and integrity, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion within our business and our industry.