Bench-Scale Biotech Scientist: Upstream & Downstream

Merck & Co.; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies in Holly Springs, NC seeks a Laboratory Scientist/Engineer 2 to execute bench-scale bioreactor studies (up to 5 L fed-batch) and downstream purification, including chromatography and UF/DF. This role generates data packages enabling scale-up and tech transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Applicants should have 2+ years of experience in upstream/downstream bioprocessing, CHO or other mammalian cells, and experience with ÄKTA/UNICORN and DOE/statistics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology with 2+ years of relevant industry experience spanning both upstream mammalian cell culture and downstream purification.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography skids and software (ÄKTA/UNICORN), column packing, method execution, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with CHO or other mammalian cell lines.
• UF/DF (TFF) experience including membrane selection, TMP/flux control, hold-up, and recovery optimization.
• Experience with JMP/Minitab/Python, basic statistics, and DOE exposure.

Responsibilities

• Plans, executes, and troubleshoots upstream mammalian cell culture studies in bench-top bioreactors.
• Performs downstream purification operations including chromatography and UF/DF.
• Executes harvest operations, clarification, virus inactivation/filtration, and final formulation at bench scale.
• Generates data packages that enable scale-up and tech transfer.
• Collects customer samples from GMP manufacturing floor and processes for external clients.
• Drafts and revises study protocols and SOPs; contributes to investigations and CAPAs.
• Supports implementation and qualification of new lab equipment; maintains lab readiness and ALCOA+ data integrity.
• Supports bridging studies and tech transfer from external partners into GMP manufacturing.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Bioprocess analytics

DOE exposure

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology

Tools

ÄKTA/UNICORN

JMP/Minitab/Python

Job description

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies in Holly Springs, NC seeks a Laboratory Scientist/Engineer 2 to execute bench-scale bioreactor studies (up to 5 L fed-batch) and downstream purification, including chromatography and UF/DF. This role generates data packages enabling scale-up and tech transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Applicants should have 2+ years of experience in upstream/downstream bioprocessing, CHO or other mammalian cells, and experience with ÄKTA/UNICORN and DOE/statistics.