Process Development Scientist

Rblventurepartners; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RBL LLC, a Houston-based biotech venture creation studio, is seeking a Process Development Scientist to design and optimize manufacturing processes from development through commercial production. You'll collaborate with Research, Manufacturing, Quality and Regulatory teams to deliver robust, compliant processes.

PhD or MS/BS with 4+ years in biopharma, hands-on upstream/downstream experience, and strong data analysis skills (JMP, Minitab) preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant bioscience or MS/BS with 4+ years industry experience.
• 1–4+ years in biopharma process development.
• Hands-on upstream and/or downstream process experience.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and tech transfer best practices.
• Strong data analysis skills; proficient with JMP and Minitab.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for biologics, small molecules, or cell/gene therapies (depending on company focus).
• Develop assays for biomaterial and cell/biomaterial combination characterization and process validation.
• Implement and evaluate process improvements to increase yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Author and review technical reports, batch records, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Support technology transfer activities to internal manufacturing sites or external CMOs/CDMOs.
• Apply statistical tools and QbD principles to process characterization and validation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align development activities with project goals, timelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues during development, scale-up, and manufacturing campaigns.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records in GDP compliance.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory guidance, and emerging technologies in process development.

Skills

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD or MS/BS with 4+ years industry experience

Bioprocess/biopharma background

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Process development tools

Job description

RBL LLC is a Houston-based venture creation studio committed to the rapid development of clinically meaningful biotech companies. RBL LLC’s team of industry-experienced company builders provides comprehensive services to startups, including lab and office space, financial, administrative, and business development support, as well as clinical trial design, implementation, talent acquisition, and capital sourcing to help early-stage companies build a strong foundation for clinical success. RBL LLC functions as a start-up company where all team members are willing to work collaboratively and across disciplines when needed to ensure success of the organization.

Job Summary:

The Process Development Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to support the scale-up, transfer, and commercialization of biopharmaceutical products. This role involves collaborating cross-functionally with Research, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to ensure robust, reproducible, and compliant processes from early development through commercial production. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong problem-solving and project management skills to deliver innovative solutions that meet project timelines and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, execute, and analyze experiments to develop, optimize, and scale manufacturing processes for biologics, small molecules, or cell/gene therapies (depending on company focus).

Develop assays for biomaterial and cell/biomaterial combination characterization and process validation.

Implement and evaluate process improvements to increase yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

Author and review technical reports, batch records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory documentation.

Support technology transfer activities to internal manufacturing sites or external contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs/CDMOs).

Apply statistical tools and Quality by Design (QbD) principles to process characterization and validation.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align development activities with project goals, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

Troubleshoot process-related issues during development, scale-up, and manufacturing campaigns.

Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Stay current with industry trends, regulatory guidance, and emerging technologies in process development.

Qualifications:

PhD in BioEngineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field; or MS/BS with significant (4+ years) industry experience.

1–4+ years of experience in process development within the biopharmaceutical industry (early- to late-stage development).

Hands-on experience with upstream (cell culture/) and/or downstream (purification) processes.

Familiarity with cGMP regulations and technology transfer best practices.

Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with single-use technologies and process automation.

Prior exposure to regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, NDA, etc.).

Knowledge of PAT (Process Analytical Technology) and cell-based products.

Experience with automated cell processing platforms (e.g., CliniMACS Prodigy, Cocoon, Quantum).

Prior involvement in process validation and regulatory submissions for cell & gene therapy products.

Experience in cell engineering, including cell cloning.

RBL LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable laws. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail].