Industrialization Scientist, Molecular Biology

BioFire Diagnostics; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics company seeks an Industrialization Scientist to manage PCR processes and enhance molecular diagnostics production. This role involves implementing manufacturing processes, collaborating across departments, and ensuring quality compliance. Candidates should have a strong background in Molecular Biology and significant industry experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years relevant experience with 3+ years in manufacturing or product development.
• Laboratory experience in molecular biology preferred.
• Management and Lean Manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrialization of PCR-based assays from development through production.
• Collaborate with R&D and suppliers for technical knowledge transfer.
• Implement quality control testing strategies for product release.

Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Education

MS in Molecular Biology or related field

PhD in relevant field (preferred)

Tools

Data analysis tools

Automation platforms (e.g., Integra, Tecan)

Job description

Industrialization Scientist, Molecular Biology is responsible for planning, implementation and management of PCR processes and products. This individual will be expected to provide scientific guidance and molecular expertise in transferring development projects from R&D into Operations as well as improving the robustness and profitability of existing PCR products and processes.They will ensure Operations and Suppliers have accurate and detailed specifications, SOPs, BOMs, and Product Master Data as well as lead troubleshooting efforts that arise within Supply Chain, QC, and Manufacturing. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and suppliers to support product lifecycle development and production readiness.

Job responsibilities:

1. Maintain a safe work environment and perform work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
2. Lead the industrialization of PCR-based molecular diagnostic assays from development through scale-up to full production.
3. Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and regulatory compliance (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IVDR, etc.).
4. Collaborate with R&D to define product requirements and transfer technical knowledge to production teams.
5. Collaborate with suppliers to define raw material specifications. Support supplier validation efforts and transfer specifications, technical knowledge, and test methods to QC team.
6. Develop and execute technology transfer plans, validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ), and risk assessments (e.g., FMEA).
7. Support process validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing workflows.
8. Partner with Supply Chain, Purchasing, and suppliers to evaluate potential external or internal suppliers of critical reagents (e.g., enzymes, primers, probes).
9. Implement and monitor quality control (QC) testing strategies for intermediate and final product release.
10. Manage stability studies when applicable following product or process changes and for continuous improvement.
11. Lead troubleshooting and root cause investigation for issues arising from multiple sources, including customer complaints, QC failures, manufacturing challenges, and supplier notifications.
12. Assist with design, implementation, and maintenance of PCR automation.
13. Lead and participate in root cause analysis, CAPAs, and non-conformance investigations.
14. Work with Quality Assurance and Scientific Affairs to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
15. Mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians throughout Operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• MS in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field is required. PhD is preferred.
• 7 or more years of relevant experience including at least 3 years in manufacturing, industrialization, or product development of molecular diagnostics required.
• Laboratory experience is required; experience during school is accepted. Laboratory experience in chemistry, microbiology, or molecular biology is preferred.
• Management experience, including in areas/roles not directly related to MFG, is preferred.
• Lean MFG or other continuous improvement experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes for molecular assays, including raw material synthesis, reagent formulation, lyophilization, and cleanroom environments.
• Proficient in data analysis tools and statistical methods for process validation.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Experience with automation and liquid handling platforms is a plus (e.g., Integra, Tecan).
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); additional languages are an asset.
• Ability to work with a team, identify and implement feasible solutions to challenges, and independently manage improvement projects and raw materials suppliers required.

10% Domestic Travel per year