Scientist I

Germer International; Upper Dublin Township (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Germer International is seeking a Scientist I, Quality Control to perform GMP testing supporting viral vector manufacturing, release, and stability programs. The role emphasizes cell-based potency and infectivity assays, mammalian cell culture, and data entry in LIMS, within a collaborative team.

The candidate will handle assays, maintain cultures, prepare reagents, and ensure compliance with SOPs, GMP, GDP, and data integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related discipline.
• PhD with 0–2 years of experience or MS with 2–3 years or BS with 4–6 years of relevant lab experience; GMP experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform cell-based potency, infectivity, transduction, and other functional assays for viral vector products and enter data in LIMS.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures, including passaging, counting, viability assessment, and cryopreservation.
• Prepare samples, standards, controls, reagents, and media according to approved procedures.
• Execute testing in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, GMP, GDP, and data integrity requirements.
• Review and document assay results against established system suitability and acceptance criteria.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, incubators, plate readers, microscopes, and automated cell counters.
• Support assay troubleshooting and method qualification/validation activities.
• Participate in deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPAs, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous laboratory documentation.
• Collaborate with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams.
• Follow applicable safety and biosafety procedures when handling viral vectors and biological materials.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Flow cytometry

qPCR / ddPCR

ELISA

Data integrity

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

PhD (0–2 years) or MS (2–3 years) or BS (4–6 years) in relevant lab experience

Experience in GMP environment preferred

Tools

LIMS

Biosafety cabinet

Plate readers

Microscopes

qPCR/ddPCR platforms

Job description

Position Summary

Scientist I, Quality Control performs GMP testing in support of viral vector manufacturing, release, and stability programs. The role focuses primarily on cell-based potency and infectivity assays and routine mammalian cell culture.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently perform cell-based potency, infectivity, transduction, and other functional assays for viral vector products and enter data in LIMS.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures, including passaging, cell counting, viability assessment, and cryopreservation.
• Prepare samples, standards, controls, reagents, and media according to approved procedures.
• Execute testing in accordance with approved methods, SOPs, GMP, GDP, and data integrity requirements.
• Review and document assay results against established system suitability and acceptance criteria.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, incubators, plate readers, microscopes, and automated cell counters.
• Support assay troubleshooting and method qualification/validation activities.
• Participate in deviations, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPAs, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous laboratory documentation.
• Collaborate with Analytical Development, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams.
• Follow applicable safety and biosafety procedures when handling viral vectors and biological materials.

Education, Experience, & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• PhD with 0-2 years of experience or M.S. with 2-3 years of experience or B.S with 4-6 years of experience of relevant laboratory experience; experience in a GMP environment is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Experience with potency, cell-based assays, plate-based assays, or flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with GMP, GDP, and data integrity principles is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently after training and effectively within a collaborative laboratory environment.
• Preferred Experience: AAV and/or lentiviral vector testing, cell-based potency assays, qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, or other analytical methods commonly used in cell and gene therapy QC laboratories.