Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Krystal Biotech, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate for Upstream Process Development. The role supports characterization, optimization, and scale-up of viral vector production and aids tech transfer to Manufacturing.

Responsibilities include operating bench-scale bioreactors, mammalian cell culture, and data analysis. Collaboration with MSAT and manufacturing is expected to advance pipeline programs and ensure GMP readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Understanding of aseptic technique, cell culture, bioreactors, and/or virology is a plus.
• Familiarity with bioreactor operation and upstream processing is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate bench scale bioreactors under supervision.
• Perform mammalian cell culture using aseptic techniques.
• Prepare buffers and media; maintain equipment and supplies.
• Provide technical lab support including maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Participate in study design and process development discussions.
• Design experiments and record data in electronic lab notebooks.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and keep a clean lab.
• Analyze data and report findings to the process development team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve scale-up problems.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Mammalian cell culture

Bioreactor technology

Cell biology

Virology

Lab automation

Coding basics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering/ Chemical Engineering/ Bioengineering or related

Job description

About Krystal Bio:

At Krystal Biotech, we bring together the brightest and most eager minds to relentlessly pursue the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of genetic medicines to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs.

Founded in 2016, Krystal is distinguished in three powerful ways: science and technology using our patented gene therapy platform, innovative manufacturing supported by our commercial scale facilities, and a unique commercialization model that focuses on the patient’s end-to-end experience.

Krystal received U.S. FDA approval for the first and only redosable gene therapy treatment, VYJUVEK®, for the treatment of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB). Krystal continues to leverage our proprietary platform to rapidly advance a robust pipeline of investigational genetic medicines in respiratory, oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology.

Krystal is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, which is home to our two state-of-the-art CGMP manufacturing facilities with teams around the world and satellite offices in Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. We are a company built and run by people who care, are fearless in the face of a challenge, love the work they do, and practice the highest level of scientific integrity. As we grow, we are seeking team members that embody these values.

Position Summary:

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Associate to support multidisciplinary efforts in Upstream Process Development.

The Research Associate will support process development initiatives by conducting experiments related to the characterization, optimization, and scale-up of viral vector production. They will support the tech transfer of developed processes to the Manufacturing team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate bench scale bioreactors under the guidance of senior staff
• Perform mammalian cell culture using aseptic techniques
• Prepare buffers and media, maintain equipment, and order supplies to ensure the lab runs smoothly
• Provide technical support in the lab through equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Participate in study design and process development brainstorming sessions
• Design scientifically sound experiments and record data accurately in electronic lab notebooks
• Adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a clean and orderly lab environment
• Analyze experimental data and effectively communiate findings with manager and rest of process development team
• Interact with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, MSAT, etc.) to identify and solve problems encountered during process scale-up

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Some understanding in one or more of the following areas: aseptic technique, mammalian cell culture, bioreactor technology, cell biology, and/or virology
• Familiarity with bioreactor operation and upstream processing is a plus
• Familiarity with lab automation or basic coding is a plus
• High capability of multitasking in a fast-paced team-oriented environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affir­mative Action Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this Web site or directly to managers. Krystal Biotech, Inc. does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. Krystal Biotech, Inc. will not pay fees to any third‑party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Krystal Biotech, Inc.