Senior Scientist, Upstream Process Development

The Senior Scientist, Upstream Process Development role involves advancing the company's novel expression technology. The company focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation and cell-culture processes. This position is crucial for pushing the technology forward through scientific thinking, creativity, and hands-on experimentation. The main responsibilities include designing and executing upstream process-development studies with minimal supervision. This involves translating literature insights into hypothesis-driven experiments and process improvements. The role also requires identifying and optimizing critical process parameters affecting upstream performance. Additionally, the scientist will apply analytical tools to improve understanding of organism physiology and fermentation performance. Running bioreactors regularly and supporting routine production when needed are also key tasks. The scientist will document, analyze, and present experimental data clearly. Core laboratory activities, including media preparation, shake-flask studies, bioreactor setup and operation, process monitoring, inoculation, harvest, centrifugation, and sterile filtration, are part of the daily tasks. Following SOPs and guidelines to maintain culture integrity, prevent contamination, and ensure compliance is essential. The role requires a PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related field. At least 5 years of relevant experience in fermentation or cell-culture process development, with 3 years in industry, is necessary. Strong hands-on expertise with bioreactors, fermentation control systems, and scale-up principles is crucial. Experience with contamination-control strategies, operational risk assessment, and process monitoring is also required. A solid understanding of bioprocess engineering fundamentals, metabolic principles, and cell physiology is essential. Nice-to-have skills include experience with tech transfer activities. Broad hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture platforms, including fed-batch and/or perfusion, is beneficial. Experience with microbial expression systems is also a plus. The role requires an independent, proactive individual who can drive progress with minimal supervision and is willing to spend a considerable amount of time hands-on in the laboratory. Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with common bioprocess software tools are important. The ideal candidate is creative, resourceful, and persistent in solving technical challenges, with clear communication skills and a collaborative team player mindset. What the role asks for: - PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, or related field. - At least 5 years of relevant experience in fermentation or cell-culture process development. - 3 years industry experience. - Strong hands-on expertise with bioreactors, fermentation control systems, and scale-up principles. - Experience with contamination-control strategies, operational risk assessment, and process monitoring. - Solid understanding of bioprocess engineering fundamentals, metabolic principles, and cell physiology. - Experience with tech transfer activities (nice-to-have). - Broad hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture platforms, including fed-batch and/or perfusion (nice-to-have). - Experience with microbial expression systems (nice-to-have).