Associate Scientist, Upstream Process Development

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 optimizing mammalian cell culture processes. This person will join a fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary team to support upstream process development (perfusion and intensified fed-batch) at the bench 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 equipment cleaning and maintenance, ordering and managing inventory, and organizing workspace and tasks are preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills, and 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

• Assisting with bench-scale bioreactor operations including run preparation, inoculation, daily sampling and analytics, troubleshooting, and cleaning and maintenance
• Building and autoclaving bioreactor parts and assemblies, preparing and maintaining bioreactor-related equipment (controllers, pumps, scales, sensors, etc.)
• Becoming an expert in bioreactor control systems, software, analytical equipment; maintaining and troubleshooting instruments and keeping a clean and organized lab space
• Designing, executing, and analyzing statistically designed experiments (DOE)
• Documenting technical results and best practices in ELNs, SOPs, summary reports, etc.
• Working with vendors and manufacturers to order, troubleshoot, and develop prototypes
• Performing mammalian cell culture work in an aseptic hood such as cell passaging and cell banking
• Assisting with media and buffer preparation when needed
• Potential for weekend work (5-day work week/ 2 days off)
• Occasionally respond in-person to alarms during off-hours

Required qualifications:

• BS in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field and 0-2 years industry experience
• Excellent attention to detail, focused when completing technical tasks
• Strong writing skills and efficient at documentation
• Able to stay organized and relaxed in complex situations, keep track of multiple tasks and data
• Enthusiastic problem-solver
• Self-motivated, able to make and follow through on goals
• Action-oriented, flexible, eager to learn and grow skill sets
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with aseptic technique and small-scale mammalian cell culture
• Experience preparing cell culture media and buffers
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting scientific or electronic equipment
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis
• 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 with paper or electronic lab notebooks
• Comfortable communicating technical information
• Experience working in retail, service industry, or other environments that require physical work and positive attitude