Downstream Scientist

SPECTRAFORCE; Swiftwater (Monroe County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company located in Monroe County, Swiftwater is seeking a candidate for a role focused on downstream process development. Responsibilities include executing purification experiments and supporting manufacturing operations. Candidates should possess relevant expertise in biology or biochemistry and strong communication skills. Preferred qualifications include experience with chromatography workstations and process development equipment. This role promises to be critical in optimizing process improvements and supporting the team in technical execution.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of protein purification and analysis.
• Ability to anticipate and communicate technical successes and challenges.
• Experience in writing standard operating procedures (SOP) and reports.

Responsibilities

• Execute development studies such as resin reuse and process improvements.
• Conduct purification experiments using chromatography and filtration techniques.
• Prepare technical reports and analyze data for project evaluations.

Skills

Fluent in English (written and verbal communication)

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Excellent team member spirit

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biology, Biomedical, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or similar discipline

Tools

Chromatography workstations

Molecular modeling software

Job description

The Downstream Process Development, MSAT department supports several projects including:

• Seasonal strain changes for Flublok/Covid Vaccine
• Process improvement and optimization projects
• Yield improvement strategies and implementation
• Process monitoring and control
• Manufacturing support for production operations

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the execution of development studies such as resin reuse, process improvements, optimization, scale‑up, column load, and evaluation of yield improvement strategies as outlined by the Deputy Director DSP/MSAT in collaboration with others on projects.

Executes purification experiments including automated or high‑throughput chromatography (AKTA platform), filtration, clarification/ depth filtration, column packing, and tangential flow filtration independently based on expert knowledge of protein purification and analysis with an in‑depth understanding of all modes of chromatography. Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results. Exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to projects.

Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.

Responsible for training on, understanding, and following documented procedures that apply to their departments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Proactively anticipates and effectively communicates successes, constraints, solutions, and actions for resolution

Fosters relationships with partners, experts from other functions, and customers to achieve technical objectives

Perform troubleshooting as required, and supports staff

Demonstrate and promote company values and competencies through daily actions and decisions

Contribute to strategic planning for downstream process development initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biology, Biomedical, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or similar discipline

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Fluent in English (written and verbal communication)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent team member spirit
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting chromatography workstations and process skids
• Analyzing Data with Assay (SDS PAGE and Western Blot, SRID, BCA, Purity, Dialysis for rBV, ELISA, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience working with automated high throughput process development equipment
• Demonstrates working knowledge of scientific principles and concerns
• Participates in quality control tracking systems including change controls, deviations, CAPA, root cause analysis, etc.
• Good documentation practices (GDP). Experience in writing standard operating procedures (SOP), batch records, and reports
• Hands‑on experience with molecular modeling software is desirable but not required.