Scientist (Downstream Processing)

Esco Aster Pte. Ltd.; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 119,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Esco Aster Pte Ltd in Singapore seeks a biotechnology scientist to join the CDMO team, developing downstream processes for cultivated meat and other cell-based products. You will design experiments, analyze data, and author protocols while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

The role requires 3–5 years in a life-sciences lab, a degree in a related field, and strong documentation skills. On-site work at our Singapore facility is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Biological Sciences or related field.
• 3–5 years in life-sciences lab focusing on downstream purification.
• Experience with filtration (NFF and TFF) and bioprocess integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop downstream unit operations for adherent and suspension cells and derivatives.
• Design, plan, execute, and supervise experimental programs.
• Analyse and interpret data to draw scientific conclusions.
• Perform wet lab activities related to downstream operations and analytics.
• Support training of subordinates on downstream techniques and operations.
• Prepare and review protocols, reports, tech transfer and training documents.

Skills

Scientific data interpretation

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Communication

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences

Master’s degree in Biological Engineering/related

PhD in related field

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Opportunity

Esco Lifesciences Group is Singapore’s most globalized life sciences company, with annual revenues close to SGD 200M and global operations in over 42 locations and 26 direct countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania.

Esco Aster Pte Ltd is an affiliate of Esco Lifesciences Group and was first incorporated in 2017.

Esco Aster is a contract research development and manufacturing organization founded and deeply rooted by scientists enabling fellow scientists to translate their bench work into commercially available products at affordable prices.

Our scientific work is in emerging and frontier biology utilizing cells as a final product or deriving products from cells which often we use cells as the factory to derive our target product.

Our first commercial breakthrough success is Esco Aster is commercially first in class being first in the world to be certified for cultivated/cell-based meat to FSSC 22000 and by a competent food regulatory body.

We are first in the region to operate an end-to-end integrated full cell line creation/immortalization or engineered cell line, cell culture process development, analytical development for stem cells and exosomes with full cGMP Capabilities from Drug Substance and small-scale fill & finish for final Cell Therapy Product.

The work we do creates a remarkable and lasting impact on our world. We offer you an opportunity to be part of this exciting journey to own your career and firsthand exposure to new emerging modalities supporting translational sciences.

Who we’re looking for

Physical/Mental Requirements/Work Environment

• Ability to read, analyse and interpret scientific data and publications.
• Ability to author or review protocols, technical reports and technology transfer documents.
• Ability to author or review standard operating procedures and other related documents.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to focus.
• Repetitive motions due to certain laboratory techniques.
• Ability to adapt and keep up with rapid changes in a fluid and dynamic environment as this is a rapidly evolving space.
• Good understanding of cGMP and GDP requirement and practices.
• Able to don in the cleanroom gowning and understand Aseptic Behaviour requirements.

The Scope

You will be part of Esco Aster’s scientific division and contribute to the company’s CDMO mission and objectives. You will perform research and process development activities, in various projects and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, clients and partners.

Primary Work Location: Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore

Job Responsibilities

• Work in the CDMO services as a part of the process team to develop processes for downstream unit operations for adherent cells (MSCs, iPSCs, Fibroblast, Epithelial cells, Vero, Hek293t) and derivatives (e.g. exosomes, nanovesicles, viral vectors, secreted viruses, mitochondria) as well as suspension cells for cultivated meat (mainly continuous centrifugation).
• Design, plan, execute, and supervise experimental programs.
• Analyse and interpret experiment data to draw scientific conclusions.
• Perform wet lab and /or clinical trial material activities related to downstream unit operations and associated analytics.
• Support and train subordinates on downstream techniques and operations.
• Author or review protocols, technical reports, technology transfer and training documents with scientifically supported conclusions and recommendations.
• Author or review standard operating procedures, instrument operating procedures and other lab related documents.
• Assess and implement new processes and technologies in development scale, ultimately adapting to manufacturing operations.
• Record and document data promptly and accurately maintaining data integrity.
• Assist in non-routine lab duties and administrative activities including, and not limited to procurement, vendor assessment, people management, equipment maintenance, equipment calibration etc.
• Support validation activities for new equipment as required.

Requirements

• The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or doctorate in Biological Sciences/(Bio)Chemical Engineering/Biological Engineering/Chemistry or related disciplines.
• At least 3-5 years’ relevant experience in a life‑sciences or related laboratory working with the downstream purification of stem cells/exosomes.
• Experience in filtration (NFF and TFF) unit operations and bioprocess integration.
• Knowledge of protein and molecular analyses, e.g., Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry etc.
• Knowledge of technical or commercial operations in the manufacture of biological molecules is desirable.
• Proficient in MS office- MS word, MS excel, PowerPoint.
• Take initiatives, self‑starter, research oriented, and able to work with minimum supervision.
• Possess good communication and documentation skills.
• Can contribute individually, as well as work efficiently in a dynamic team environment.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.