Senior Associate Scientist, Bioreactor Process Design

Just – Evotec Biologics’ Bioreactor Process Development group is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking team member who is passionate about expanding worldwide access to biotherapeutics through the advancement of continuous bioprocessing technology and mammalian cell culture processes.  This person will join a fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary team to support bioreactor process development (perfusion and intensified fed-batch) at the bench and pilot scale for the advancement of low-cost biotherapeutics manufacturing.  The successful candidate will be detail- oriented, self-motivated, and efficient in completing hands-on laboratory tasks.  Experience with bioreactor equipment operation, cleaning and maintenance, ordering and managing inventory, and organizing workspace and tasks are preferred.  Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as experience with common software packages (such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.) are desired.  The ideal candidate is curious, creative, engaged, and the type who works well independently and in teams while constantly looking for ways to advance scientific processes and improve technology.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and running bench-scale bioreactors and bioreactor-related equipment (controllers, pumps, autoclaves, etc.) including building and autoclaving bioreactor parts and assemblies as well as assisting with bench-scale bioreactor operations (daily sampling and analytics, cleaning and maintenance, inoculation activities, run preparation, and troubleshooting).
• Performing mammalian cell culture work in an aseptic hood such as cell passaging and cell banking.
• Acquiring a high degree of proficiency in bioreactor control systems, software, analytical equipment; maintaining and troubleshooting instruments while maintaining a clean and organized lab space.
• Serving as a team member or functional area lead for platform client early-stage (FIH) or technology development projects; may also serve as a team member for complex client early-stage (FIH) or late-stage Process Characterization (PC) projects.
• Designing, executing, and analyzing statistically designed experiments (DOE) with supervision.
• Documenting best practices and technical results in ELNs, SOPs, summary reports, etc. with minimal supervision.
• Working with vendors and manufacturers in developing, ordering, and troubleshooting prototypes.
• Assisting with media and buffer preparation when needed.
• Potential for weekend work (5-day work week/ 2 days off) and being on-call for critical bioreactor runs.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field and 2+ years industry experience or MS degree in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field with 0-2 years industry experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and focused when completing technical tasks; able to stay organized and relaxed in complex situations while keeping track of multiple tasks and data.
• Strong writing skills and efficient at documentation; comfortable communicating with project managers and subject matter experts about processes and technologies.
• Enthusiastic problem-solver who is self-motivated, able to make and follow through on goals, action-oriented, flexible, and eager to learn and grow their science and technology skill set.
• Experience with Microsoft Office apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally respond in person to alarms during off-hours.

Preffered:

• Experience with aseptic technique and small-scale mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing equipment, especially perfusion technology.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting scientific or electronic equipment.
• Experience preparing cell culture media and buffers.
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis.
• Experience with paper or electronic lab notebooks or other record-keeping methods.
• Experience analyzing data in tools such as JMP, R, or Python.
• General understanding of cell biology, fluid dynamics, and biotransport.
• General understanding of circuits (grounding, power, signal, etc.).
• Experience working in a cGMP or clean room setting (this job is non-GMP but knowledge of GMP is helpful for process/tech transfer activities).
• Experience working in retail, service industry, or other environments that require physical work and positive attitude.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be $73,000 to $85,000;  Base salary offered may vary depending on individual’s skills, experience and competitive market value. Additional total rewards include discretionary annual bonus, comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, short-term and long-term disability, company paid basic life insurance, 401k company match, flexible work, generous paid time off and paid holiday, wellness and transportation benefits.

Evotec (US) Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, age, disability, genetic information, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.