Director- Purification- Process Translation and Execution

Scorpion Therapeutics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 152,000 - 264,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics seeks an experienced group leader to head the PTE team, building a high-performing culture rooted in collaboration and innovation.

You will mentor scientists across downstream bioprocessing, oversee clinical DS purification and conjugation tech transfers, and act as the primary SME on the manufacturing floor, driving CAPA closure and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Biological Engineering/Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or related).
• 12+ years industry experience in biologics DS development/manufacturing; 8+ years purification process experience.
• Expertise in chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, mixed-mode), TFF/UFDF, viral inactivation (low pH, detergent), viral filtration.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop PTE scientists in downstream bioprocessing across biologics and mixed modalities.
• Provide technical oversight for clinical DS purification and conjugation tech transfers (Process Development to Foundry cGMP).
• Act as primary SME on the manufacturing floor; lead deviation investigations and CAPA closure.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline tech transfer and digitize documentation/workflows.
• Define and lead purification/conjugation technology strategy; assess next-gen capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Bioprocessing

Process Development

Tech transfer

Education

PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Biological Engineering/Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Single-use downstream systems

PCC/continuous chromatography

Inline UV

Conductivity

Job description

Position Summary:

Experienced technical leader to join the PTE team as a group leader, building a high-performing culture rooted in collaboration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop PTE scientists in downstream bioprocessing (chromatography, TFF/UFDF, viral inactivation, viral filtration) across biologics and mixed modalities (mAb, ADC, ARC, peptides, oligonucleotides).
• Foster performance through coaching, one-on-ones, feedback; promote psychological safety and professional growth.
• Provide technical oversight for clinical DS purification and conjugation technology transfers (Process Development to Foundry cGMP), including fit assessments, risk analyses, and scale-up for right-first-time execution.
• Act as primary SME on the manufacturing floor; lead deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and drive CAPAs to closure.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline tech transfer and digitize technical documentation/workflows.
• Define and lead purification/conjugation technology strategy; assess and industrialize next-gen capabilities.
• Serve as liaison across Process Development, Process Engineering, Analytical, Quality, Supply Chain, HSE, and Operations; represent PTE in inspections/audits.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Biological Engineering/Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or related).
• 12+ years industry experience in biologics DS development/manufacturing; 8+ years purification process experience.
• Expertise in chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, mixed-mode), TFF/UFDF, viral inactivation (low pH, detergent), viral filtration.
• Column packing, resin lifetime management, and bench-to-clinical scale-up.
• Proven leadership/coaching and development of direct reports.

Preferred Skills:

• Bioconjugation experience (ADC/ARC or related), including conjugation optimization, DAR control, and post-conjugation purification.
• Single-use downstream systems (skids/SUMs/single-use TFF) and knowledge of PCC/continuous chromatography.
• PAT knowledge (inline UV, conductivity, pressure monitoring).
• Process innovation/continuous improvement; deviation investigations, RCA, CAPA.
• Familiarity with emerging purification modalities; strong cGMP/quality/regulatory knowledge.

Additional Information:

• Initial: Indianapolis, IN; Permanent: Lilly Medicines Foundry, Lebanon, Indiana.
• Travel: 5–10%; work in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
• Compensation: $151,500–$264,000; bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits (401(k), pension, vacation, medical/dental/vision, flexible benefits, life insurance, time off/leave, well-being).