RCI-PFE-1113-1 Bench Scientist – Downstream Process Development

Rangam; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rangam in Andover, MA seeks a highly skilled scientist to advance chromatography science through high-throughput experimentation and laboratory automation. You will lead TECAN-based automated purification workflows, design experiments, and translate findings into scalable downstream processes.

Emphasis on DOE, data analysis, and mechanistic understanding, with collaboration across automation, engineering, digital and analytical teams to accelerate process development timelines.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience programming TECAN liquid-handling platforms.
• Proven automated protein purification workflows.
• Experience in downstream process development for biologics.
• Strong chromatography fundamentals and protein purification.
• Ability to design and interpret laboratory studies.
• Excellent data analysis and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Program and operate TECAN platforms to develop automated purification workflows.
• Perform high-throughput studies to explore process design space.
• Translate lab findings into scalable downstream processes.
• Collaborate with automation, engineering, digital and analytical teams.
• Apply DOE and statistical methods to drive experiments.

Skills

TECAN programming

Automated protein purification

High-throughput experimentation

DOE

Statistical modeling

Downstream processing

Chromatography

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

TECAN hardware suite

Laboratory automation software

Job description

Candidates should possess all or nearly all required technical competencies, with particular emphasis on hands‑on TECAN programming and automated protein purification.

Role Summary

Client is seeking a highly skilled scientist specializing in downstream process development to advance chromatography science through high-throughput experimentation, laboratory automation, microscale chromatography, advanced data analysis and mechanistic understanding.

• A primary responsibility is to program and operate TECAN liquid‑handling platforms to develop and execute automated protein purification workflows. The scientist will conduct parallel studies to explore a broader process design space, identify variables influencing purification performance and translate experimental findings into scalable downstream processes.
• High-throughput experimentation will be used to generate deeper scientific understanding rather than simply increasing the volume of experimental data. This approach will help reduce material requirements and accelerate process development timelines.
• The role combines automation, modeling and approved digital tools, including responsible use of generative AI and Copilot tools, while maintaining a strong foundation in downstream process development and chromatography science.

Scientific Workflow

• High-Throughput
• Screening
• Process Understanding
• Predictive Modeling
• Scalable Process Development

Key Responsibilities

Process Development and Characterization

• Develop and optimize chromatography, filtration, clarification and other downstream purification operations for biologics and biopharmaceutical products.
• Investigate mechanisms governing yield, purity, impurity clearance, process robustness and purification performance.
• Characterize critical process parameters and support control‑strategy development through rigorous scientific studies.
• Translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing operations and commercial‑ready purification platforms.

High-Throughput Experimentation

• Design and execute high-throughput experiments using microscale and automated platforms to explore multidimensional process design spaces.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE), response‑surface methodologies and multivariable optimization to identify influential parameters and guide experimental design.
• Develop representative scale‑down models for purification characterization and mechanistic understanding.
• Generate scalable, decision‑relevant experimental evidence across broader operating ranges to support timely process development decisions.

Automation and Technology Development

• Program and operate TECAN liquid‑handling platforms to execute protein purification operations and high‑throughput studies.
• Develop, optimize and troubleshoot methods that translate experimental protocols into reliable automated workflows.
• Develop integrated workflows connecting TECAN‑generated purification samples with high‑throughput analytical methods and assays.
• Support sample preparation, plate mapping, dilution and sample tracking in collaboration with analytical teams to ensure analytical throughput aligns with experimental output.
• Collaborate with automation, engineering, digital and analytical teams to integrate platforms, data acquisition, analysis, reporting and visualization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies related to chromatography screening, automation, purification characterization and data acquisition.
• Apply approved generative AI and Copilot tools with appropriate scientific judgment while protecting data integrity, confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

Scientific Investigation and Data Analysis

• Analyze experimental data to identify critical variables, performance relationships and meaningful trends.
• Apply statistical and mechanistic approaches to interpret results and guide future studies.
• Develop evidence‑based recommendations supported by rigorous scientific interpretation.
• Communicate findings through presentations, reports, regulatory documentation, publications and intellectual‑property opportunities, as appropriate.

Areas of Scientific Investigation

• Chromatography mechanisms, adsorption, binding and partitioning behavior.
• Resin and modality selection and loading‑strategy optimization.
• Wash and elution development and impurity‑clearance characterization.
• Process characterization and robustness assessment.
• Resin lifecycle and reuse investigations.
• Scale‑down model development and translation from microscale to manufacturing scale.
• Integrated experimental and modeling approaches.

Basic Qualifications

• Candidates must meet one of the following educational and experience combinations:
• PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant academic disciplines include Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a related field.

Mandatory Technical Qualifications

• Documented, hands‑on experience programming TECAN liquid‑handling platforms.
• Specific examples of automated protein purification workflows developed, implemented, optimized and troubleshot in academic or industry settings.
• Experience in downstream process development for biologics or biopharmaceutical products.
• Strong knowledge of chromatography fundamentals and protein purification.
• Demonstrated experience designing and interpreting laboratory studies.
• Experience analyzing data, communicating scientific conclusions and presenting information effectively in writing and verbally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high‑throughput experimentation, microscale chromatography and laboratory automation.
• Experience with DOE and statistical modeling.
• Experience with process characterization and control‑strategy development.
• Experience supporting scale‑up and technology transfer.
• Familiarity with data science, scripting, automated analysis and digital workflow development.
• Knowledge of responsible use of approved generative AI and Copilot tools.
• Experience in regulated biopharmaceutical development.

Competency Area

Required Technical Knowledge

Downstream Processing

• Chromatography development; filtration and separation technologies; protein purification; scale‑up and process characterization.

Experimental Design and Analysis

• Design of Experiments (DOE); statistical analysis; process modeling; data visualization; scientific decision‑making.

High-Throughput and Digital Methods

• High-throughput experimentation; TECAN programming and operation; automated protein purification method development; microscale chromatography; automated data processing and analytics.
• Scientific curiosity and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration.
• Innovation and continuous improvement.
• Excellent technical communication skills.

What Success Looks Like

• The successful candidate will combine strong downstream bioprocessing fundamentals with the ability to advance process development methodologies.
• Through automation, microscale chromatography, advanced analytics and mechanistic understanding, the scientist will help accelerate process development and improve scientific decision‑making.
• The candidate’s impact will be reflected in developing rigorous, evidence‑based purification strategies that can be efficiently translated into scalable manufacturing processes.

Career link: https://talentarbor.com/job/details/143170/3/652/bench-scientist-andover-ma-us