Associate Scientist

Roquette; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 86,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Annual performance bonus

6.2% retirement contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Maternity and parental leave

Student loan repayment assistance

Wellness benefit

Job summary

Roquette in Wilmington, DE is seeking a Biopharma R&D Laboratory Scientist to advance polymer technologies for biopharmaceutical processing and formulation. The role involves hands-on experiments, data analysis, and collaboration in a fast-paced research environment.

You will perform sterile mammalian cell culture, analytical assays, and instrument operation, develop experiments, ensure data integrity, and contribute to EH&S practices.

Qualifications

• Hands-on lab experience with analytical techniques and troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Experience with biopharmaceutical formulations or processes is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, multitasking, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute experiments for polymer technologies in biopharmaceutical applications.
• Perform lab tasks including cell culture, formulation prep, and analytical assays.
• Operate analytical equipment (HPLC/SEC, lasers, microscopes) and record data accurately.
• Develop experiments, troubleshoot, and suggest process improvements.
• Maintain equipment, ensure safety, and document SOPs.

Skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Time management

Interpersonal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Learn new technologies

Safety & quality mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry/Engineering or related field

Associate's degree with 7+ years of experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Laboratory systems

Job description

Roquette is a family-owned global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients. Want to help us make a difference? Using plant-based resources, we collaborate with our customers and partners to imagine and offer ingredients to better feed people and treat patients. Each of our ingredients responds to unique and essential needs, and they enable healthier lifestyles. Join our team and help shape the future of biopharmaceutical innovation! We are seeking a Biopharma R&D Laboratory Scientist to support cutting-edge research in polymer technologies for biopharmaceutical processing and formulation. This role involves hands‑on experimental work, data analysis, and technical problem‑solving in a collaborative research environment that drives impactful solutions for the biopharma market.

This position is located in Wilmington, Delaware, United States (Wilmington, DE, US).

The current salary range for this role is estimated to be $86,000-95,000. In addition, this position may also be eligible to earn performance-based incentive compensation. The specific compensation offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

What We Offer

• A highly collaborative team environment with ample room for exponential career growth.
• Competitive pay, annual performance bonus, comprehensive benefits, 6.2% company retirement contribution, and professional development opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and 12 annual paid company holidays.
• 12 weeks 100% paid maternity leave, and up to 4 weeks 100% paid parental leave (including adoption/surrogacy/foster care leave) for non-birthing parents.
• Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement program for select roles.
• Annual wellness benefit and wellness centered programs focused on your health needs.

What You’ll Do

• Support scientific innovation by preparing and executing experiments for polymer technologies in biopharmaceutical applications.
• Perform laboratory tasks, including:
  • Sterile mammalian cell culture (suspension, adherent, and bioreactor operations).
  • Solution and formulation preparation using manual and automated pipetting techniques.
  • Operation of analytical and characterization equipment (e.g., cell counting, metabolite analysis, absorbance/fluorescence/luminescence assays, flow cytometry, HPLC/SEC, light microscopy).
• Develop and implement experimental plans independently, troubleshoot issues, and recommend process improvements.
• Ensure data integrity by following good laboratory practice, accurately recording observations, and preparing clear summaries for internal and external reports.
• Maintain and optimize equipment, including calibration, repair coordination, and SOP development.
• Contribute to team success by training colleagues, identifying process improvements, and promoting Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) best practices.

What You’ll Bring

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with 3–5 years of experience, OR Associate’s Degree with 7+ years of experience. Exceptional recent graduates with relevant research experience will be considered.

Technical Expertise

Hands‑on laboratory experience with experimental methods, analytical techniques, and troubleshooting instrumentation. Familiarity with excipients, ingredients, and materials used in biopharmaceutical formulations or processes (e.g., recombinant protein production, viral vector development, cell therapies).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong problem‑solving, multitasking, and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to learn new technologies and apply chemistry/biology principles to improve processes.
• Commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of work.

Other Requirements

Proficiency in standard software (Word, Excel) and relevant laboratory systems. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and operate laboratory equipment.

Preferred Experience

Experience with scale‑down bioreactor systems (Ambr, DasBox, PBS‑Mini, or similar). Work with CAR‑T, HEK293, CHO, or hMSC cell lines/process development. Knowledge of water‑soluble or gel‑forming polymers for pharmaceutical dosage forms or excipient characterization.

Roquette is proud to be a global company where you can find personal and professional growth through multiple diverse experiences. Roquette strives to create a dynamic workforce while remaining firmly committed to equal opportunity by complying with EEO laws. As we continue to grow, Roquette understands that to be successful we must always be inclusive in our approach.

To find out more about our products, values and sustainable development ambitions visit us at www.roquette.com and at www.sustainability.roquette.com

Roquette is a global leader in sustainable plant-based solutions, driving innovation and strong partnerships that are shaping the future of nutrition, health, and bioindustry. The company harnesses natural resources such as wheat, corn, seaweed, and cellulose to craft high-performance ingredients used in everyday foods, oral medications, advanced biopharmaceuticals, and a range of bio-based products. A family-owned company with over 90 years of expertise and 11,000 employees, Roquette serves clients in over 150 countries and is committed to creating lasting value for customers, patients, consumers, and society. Together, we turn the potential of nature into the essentials of life. Discover more about Roquette here.