Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 3–5 years of lab-based experience in upstream cell culture or bioprocessing.
- Experience with lab techniques, including but not limited to aseptic cell culture and routine analysis of pH, gases, metabolites, cell densities, and viabilities.
- Experience with large-scale bioreactors (wave or stirred-tank, single-use preferred)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify gaps, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions.
- Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly with data aggregation and analysis.
Nice to Have Skills & Experience
- Familiarity with LVV production, CAR T process development, and technical transfer activities.
- Experience supporting scale-up or platform development initiatives in a regulated environment.
- Experience with modeling software tools
Job Description
Our large pharmaceutical client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Upstream Associate Scientist to support lentiviral vector (LVV) production within our small-scale upstream development team. This role focuses on platform process optimization, characterization, and technical transfer activities to advance our next-generation LVV modality supporting CAR T manufacturing for solid tumor indications.
Key Responsibilities:
-Execute routine suspension cell culture and aseptic preculture operations, including cell vial thawing, shake flask expansion, wave bag preparation, and bioreactor setup. -Perform LVV production runs at scales ranging from 10 L to 50 L using single-use bioreactors, with a focus on sterility and process consistency. -Conduct Ambr and shake flask scale-down studies to support platform development and material generation. -Management of experimental samples, including aliquoting, storage, and shipment as needed. -Collect and analyze post-run data, generate technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams. -Maintain accurate records of analytical data and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. -Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support onboarding of new processes and resolution of technical challenges. -Contribute to ongoing improvements in the existing CAR T process and support development of new LVV platforms aligned with FDA CAR T expectations.