Upstream Processing Scientist

West Point, PA

12 Months+

Responsibilities:

• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions and culture media
• Perform lab-scale upstream processing of vaccine products and process intermediates (including Biosafety Level-2 organisms)
• Setup process equipment for lab-scale experiments
• Perform in-process monitoring assays
• Analyze, collate, track, and report data back to client staff members
• Maintain records and test results following good laboratory practices (GLP)
• Work independently and efficiently
• Document work clearly and perform tests accurately
• Communicate effectively with client staff members
• Occasional off-shift and weekend work (not to typically exceed 40 hours per week cumulative)

Qualification

• B.S. Chemical/Biomedical/Biological Engineering or B.S. Biological Sciences /Cell Biology or B.S. Biochemistry
• At least six months of laboratory experience in upstream bioprocessing (e.g. bioreactor operations, microbial and/or mammalian cell culture in shake flasks, plates). The ideal candidate would possess:
• General laboratory skills, experience with aseptic manipulations, pipettes
• Experience in operating bioreactors
• Experience in culturing microbial and/or mammalian cells
• Experience performing basic cell-based assays (e.g. cell counting, optical density, metabolite analysis, imaging)
• Experience with solution, reagent, buffer preparation
• Experience using formulas and linking spreadsheets in Excel
• Highly computer literate. Capable of quickly learning and adapting to new computer programs. Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
• Ability to manage and organize experiments with multiple varying parameters and conditions

Additional Preferred Skills:

Basic downstream / primary recovery operations (e.g. Lysis, Centrifugation, Filtration)