Principal Scientist, Global Downstream Production

WuXi Biologics Group; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WuXi Biologics Group is seeking a Principal Scientist for Global Downstream Production, offering a fast-track global leadership program. The role requires oversight of downstream manufacturing operations, with initial training in China followed by operations in the USA. Applicants need a Master's degree and 3-5 years in biologics manufacturing, demonstrating leadership, GMP expertise, and bilingual proficiency in English. The position ensures compliance and quality through management of teams and projects across a diverse, international environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in biologics antibody manufacturing.
• Minimum 2 years in downstream production management.
• Hands-on experience in GMP manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily downstream manufacturing operations.
• Lead downstream activities for manufacturing deliveries.
• Implement WuXi Biologics’ operating model at the overseas site.

Skills

Biologics antibody manufacturing

Downstream production management

GMP compliance

Leadership

Technical transfer

Cross-cultural adaptability

Proficiency in English

Education

Master’s degree or above in Chemical/Biological engineering or related field

Job description

Principal Scientist, Global Downstream Production

United States Posted 2026-04-27

Job Title - Global Downstream Production Leader (International Deployment)

Work Location – Years 1-2 (Rooting Phase): Shanghai / Wuxi / Suzhou, China (Deep immersion in WuXi system) Years 3+ (Assignment Phase): USA / Singapore (Based on business needs and individual preferences)

Reporting Line – (Rooting Phase) Site Head, China (Assignment Phase) Site Head, Overseas Site

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship

This fast-track global leadership program is designed to prepare future leaders by providing hands‑on training at WuXi Biologics’ mature production sites and immersing participants in the company’s organizational culture. The initial assignment will offer comprehensive exposure to WuXi Biologics’ operating model, systems, and best practices. Through active management of local teams and the delivery of impactful projects, you will develop essential leadership and operational insight required for success throughout our global network.

Responsibilities

Years 1–2 (Foundation Phase in China):

• Production Leadership: Overseeing daily downstream manufacturing operations in one of mature facilities. This includes direct management of Shift Leaders, training, talent development, and performance evaluation, etc.


• Project Execution: Lead downstream activities for manufacturing deliveries. Be accountable for ensuring product quality, maintaining GMP compliance, delivering projects on time, and executing according to established schedules.


• Organizational Immersion: Gain an in-depth understanding of WuXi Biologics’ quality systems, digital tools, and cross‑functional operating model. Apply this knowledge to make effective decisions, lead teams, and drive operational excellence.

Years 3 and beyond (In USA/Singapore):

• Operational Deployment: Implement WuXi Biologics’ operating model and manufacturing standards at the overseas site, taking the lead in establishing, scaling up, and continually optimizing downstream production operations.


• Team Leadership: Build, develop, and lead the overseas downstream manufacturing team, cultivating “WuXi Speed” and a high‑performance culture focused on quality, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.


• Technology Transfer Leadership: Serve as the primary technical lead for transferring downstream processes between sites, ensuring seamless, compliant, and reliable implementation at scale.


• Global Coordination: Act as a vital link between sites, enabling effective cross‑regional collaboration, technical alignment, and coordinated allocation of resources.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or above in Chemical/Biological engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Chemistry or a related field


• 3-5 years of experiences in biologics antibody manufacturing, including a minimum of 2 years in a downstream production management role.


• Proven hands‑on experiences in GMP manufacturing environments, including frontline production leadership and team management at a U.S. or EU site, with a strong understanding of regulatory inspection expectations and compliance requirements.


• Experience supporting commercial manufacturing operations and successfully participating in FDA and/or EMA inspections is highly preferred.


• Extensive technical expertise in downstream purification processes, including chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion), filtration (ultrafiltration/diafiltration), and viral clearance operations. Demonstrated ability to tech transfer process while maintaining regulatory compliance.


• Strong understanding of GMP requirements and the ability to translate those requirements into effective daily management and execution on the manufacturing floor.


• Bilingual Proficiency: Native-level fluency in English, with the ability to lead frontline teams in manufacturing environments and communicate effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders and global leadership, both verbally and in writing. Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is preferred but not required, as it will facilitate integration into local teams and enhance communication during assignments when based in China.


• Cross-cultural Adaptability: Demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in cross-cultural environments, with a high degree of resilience. Willing to establish strong working relationships, and gain an in-depth understanding of WuXi Biologics’ operating model and organizational culture.


• Leadership Approach: A dynamic, coaching-oriented leader who inspires teams, cultivates robust talent pipelines, and seamlessly blends hands‑on manufacturing expertise with a deep commitment to developing people and fostering their growth.

WuXi Biologics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.