Associate Scientist

About the Role

• Contribute to the design, development, and optimization of microbial fermentation processes that support vaccine development within the Upstream Development group.
• Primarily support programs focused on subunit protein vaccines derived from bacterial expression systems, with opportunities to contribute to mammalian cell culture programs.
• Join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing microbial and mammalian process development for vaccine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and optimization of microbial fermentation processes for vaccine antigen production.
• Assist with screening and evaluation of microbial strain candidates using high-throughput fermentation systems.
• Operate fermentation systems up to 75 L scale, including media preparation, fermenter setup, process monitoring and control, and product harvest.
• Perform fermentation sample analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), bioanalyzers, and other analytical instruments.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies that enhance fermentation process development capabilities.
• Analyze fermentation data and prepare clear summaries for supervisors and cross-functional project teams.
• Document experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.
• Provide occasional support for mammalian cell culture activities, including bioreactor setup, process monitoring, sampling, and data analysis, as program needs require.
• Flexible work schedule required to support time-sensitive fermentation and cell culture experiments, including occasional work outside of core business hours and on weekends.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with the design and execution of microbial fermentation and/or mammalian cell culture experiments.
• Solid understanding of microbiology, cell physiology, and biochemical engineering principles.
• Experience operating high-throughput bioreactor systems and benchtop or sterilize-in-place fermenters.
• Ability to complete familiar tasks with limited instruction and supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to compile, organize, and analyze large data sets using commercial data analytics tools (e.g., Spotfire, Power BI).
• Experience preparing and delivering clear scientific summary presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with analytical techniques such as quantitative PCR, Western blot, HPLC, Octet.
• General knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)/Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as Microsoft Copilot or Gemini, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how AI tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible practices, including risk management and ethical use.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Laboratory work, including ability to occasionally lift 20–30 lb items, perform aseptic transfers, and carry out relevant laboratory functions.
• Detailed understanding of the scientific subject matter, ability to apply sound scientific judgment, and ability to perform complex data analysis.

Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel Or Environment Requirements

• Flexibility in work schedule to support time-sensitive fermentation and cell culture experiments.
• Occasional work outside of core business hours, including weekends, may be required.
• Work Location: On Premise.

Authorization to Work

• Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
• U.S. work visa sponsorship is not available for this role.