Associate Scientist - II

WorkLlama, Inc.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLlama, Inc. is seeking an experienced bioprocess professional to lead upstream and downstream operations across multiple scales in Rahway, NJ.

You will execute and analyze fermentation and recovery experiments from mini to pilot-scale, troubleshoot operations, and drive process optimization with DoE, data visualization, and rigorous quality standards in a safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant bioprocessing/biomanufacturing experience.
• Strong aseptic technique and knowledge of bioprocess controls.
• Experience operating automated bioprocess equipment (bioreactors, TFF, homogenizers) and applying DoE.

Responsibilities

• Execute and analyze fermentation experiments across mini, bench-scale, and pilot-scale bioreactors.
• Perform downstream processing including cell lysis, clarification, and recovery to meet specs.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot automated bioprocess equipment per SOPs.
• Use analytical technologies for biomass monitoring and metabolite measurement.
• Document data accurately and maintain compliance with company standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to resolve complex equipment/process challenges.
• Provide lab support, equipment maintenance, and safety/compliance actions.
• Support DoE, scaling projects, and data visualization for continuous improvement.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Automated bioprocess equipment

DoE

Data visualization

cGMP

Documentation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or related field

Tools

Ambr250

Bench-scale bioreactors

Pilot-scale bioreactors

TFF systems

Homogenizers

Job description

We are seeking an experienced bioprocess professional to join our team in a leadership-minded role supporting upstream and downstream operations across multiple scales. In this position, you will leverage deep technical expertise to execute and analyze complex fermentation and recovery experiments—ranging from mini bioreactors to pilot-scale systems—to drive process optimization and scaling. Working within a highly collaborative, safety-focused environment, you will troubleshoot operations, analyze process data, and uphold rigorous quality standards. This role provides an outstanding opportunity to apply established bioprocessing experience to advance cutting-edge biomanufacturing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Execute and analyze fermentation experiments across mini, benchtop, and pilot-scale bioreactors to ensure consistent, high-quality, and reproducible results.
• Perform downstream processing operations, including cell lysis, clarification, TFF, and recovery processes to achieve target material yield and quality specifications.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot automated bioprocess equipment while strictly adhering to established SOPs.
• Utilize common analytical technologies for biomass monitoring, metabolite measurement, and off-gas analysis.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation of experimental work and process data in compliance with company standards.
• Troubleshoot routine bioprocess operations and collaborate with senior leadership to resolve complex equipment and process challenges.
• Provide general laboratory support, including supply stocking, equipment upkeep/maintenance, and addressing safety and compliance actions.
• Support process scaling initiatives, Design of Experiments (DoE), and data visualization efforts to drive continuous improvement.
• Follow and champion laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices across the team.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific/engineering field.

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, or related environments.
• Strong working knowledge of aseptic techniques and general bioprocess controls.
• Proven expertise in operating and troubleshooting automated bioprocess equipment (e.g., bioreactors, TFF systems, homogenizers).
• Preferred hands-on experience with ambr250, bench-scale, or pilot-scale bioreactor platforms.
• Preferred experience with downstream unit operations, process scaling, Design of Experiments (DoE), data visualization tools, or working within a regulated environment (e.g., cGMP).

Additional Information

• Work Environment: Hands-on, bioprocess laboratory and pilot plant setting.
• Key Attributes: Advanced troubleshooting skills, strong technical documentation habits, solid organizational abilities, and a proven commitment to laboratory safety and continuous operational improvement.