Research Associate II, Biologics Process Development

The Research Associate II will use bench-top bioreactors to characterize microbial cell lines in high cell density fermentation processes. This individual will also assist in the transfer of microbial fermentation processes to commercial manufacturing.  Exercises technical discretion in the execution and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies. Maintains familiarity with current scientific literature. Contributes to project process within a scientific discipline. Maintains professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature. May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals. Supports the company’s process development efforts to deliver high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities:

• Setup, operate and maintain bench-top bioreactors (2L to 10L) for microbial fermentation. 
• Perform in process sampling and off-line metabolite and cell density measurements during fermentation runs. Additionally, analyze some samples via various techniques including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and ELISA.
• Prepare and perform sterility testing on research cell banks.
• Under general supervision, executes on assigned tasks following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures.
• Reviews outside literature, develops an interpretation and may make suggestions for direction. Produces competent, reproduce-able results to a high technical standard. Makes detailed observations and analyzes data to provide an interpretation of results.
• Assists with the investigation, creation and development of methods, experiments and/or technologies for project advancement. Uses professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to help solve semi-routine technical problems.
• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and/or quantitative analyses. Maintains accurate and well-organized laboratory records, worksheets and notebooks.
• Under general supervision, executes on assigned tasks following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures. Maintains current training requirements. Maintains compliance to company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures and practices.

Requirements:

A minimum of a Bachelors degree in a Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or similar program is required. A minimum of 2 years of industrial work experience in a research and/or development environment is required. Previous hands-on practical laboratory experience is required. Experience in bioprocessing, including bioreactor operations and/or gram scale purification is desirable. Must have a demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles. Must be able to demonstrate good decision-making skills. Must possess good oral and written communication skills. Must be able to demonstrate sound judgment. Must have demonstrated problem solving abilities. Strong organizational skills are required. Good computer skills are required. Working knowledge of MS word, Excel, Power point is a plus. Experience working in an FDA regulated environment is highly desired. Must be willing to work as part of a team and demonstrate good interpersonal skills.

Employees must be able to lift or handle objects greater than 25 pounds to perform certain duties essential to the job function. Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees must be able to wear a respiratory protection (filtering facepiece, 1/2 face, full-face, or powered air purifying respirator, supplied air, or self contained breathing apparatus) for certain tasks essential to the job function. Employees must be able to able to accurately detect color and have 20/20 vision (with/without corrective lenses). Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function.