Scientist-I- Upstream BioProcessing

WorkLLama; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLLama seeks a Scientist I to support laboratory-scale upstream bioprocessing activities in a vaccine development and manufacturing environment. The role emphasizes bioreactor operations, mammalian and microbial cell culture, process monitoring, data analysis, and general laboratory support.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on lab experience with bioreactors, aseptic techniques, and strong organizational skills, capable of working independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
• At least 6 months of hands-on upstream bioprocessing or bioreactor experience.
• Experience with aseptic techniques in lab environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents, solutions, media, and process materials.
• Perform upstream processing for vaccine products and intermediates.
• Set up, operate, and maintain lab-scale bioreactor systems.
• Conduct in-process monitoring assays and data collection.
• Analyze and report experimental data to project teams.
• Maintain GLP-compliant records and documentation.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Excel

Data analysis

Technical writing

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

Bioreactor systems

Cell culture

Pipettes

Lab equipment

Job description

We are seeking a Scientist I to support laboratory-scale upstream bioprocessing activities in a collaborative vaccine development and manufacturing environment. This role will focus on bioreactor operations, mammalian and microbial cell culture, process monitoring, data analysis, and general laboratory support. The ideal candidate will have hands-on laboratory experience with bioreactors and cell culture techniques, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, culture media, and process materials.
• Perform laboratory-scale upstream processing activities for vaccine products and process intermediates.
• Set up, operate, and maintain lab-scale bioreactor systems and other process equipment.
• Execute in-process monitoring assays, including cell counting, metabolite analysis, optical density measurements, and related testing.
• Analyze, compile, track, and report experimental data to project team members.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Support laboratory maintenance activities including cleaning, organizing, inventory management, and media preparation.
• Follow established safety procedures, including work with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) biological materials.
• Communicate results, observations, and project updates effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 6 months of hands-on laboratory experience in upstream bioprocessing, bioreactor operations, mammalian cell culture, microbial culture, or a related area.
• Experience working in laboratory environments utilizing aseptic techniques.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Experience using pipettes and performing routine laboratory manipulations.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to learn new software and laboratory systems quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to lift up to 25-30 pounds occasionally without assistance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 months to 1+ year of bioreactor experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and microbial cultivation.
• Experience performing cell-based assays and process monitoring activities.
• Experience utilizing Excel formulas and linked spreadsheets for data analysis.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Spotfire, SIMCA, or Python.
• Previous experience in vaccine, biologics, biotechnology, or biopharmaceutical environments.

Work Environment

Work will be performed in a laboratory setting with exposure to Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) organisms.

Occasional off-shift, evening, and weekend work may be required (approximately 10-20% of total working hours).

Collaborative team environment consisting of approximately 12 team members.

Ideal Candidate

• Team-oriented and collaborative.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.
• Self-motivated and adaptable.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Eager to learn new techniques and technologies.