Scientist II - Manager, PD Upstream

Forge Biologics; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Onsite fitness facility

Professional development resources

Job summary

Forge Biologics in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Scientist II to lead laboratory experiments and advance AAV manufacturing processes. This role involves managing multiple projects while ensuring compliance and scientific rigor.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, strong knowledge of cell culture techniques, and experience in bioreactor operations. The company offers health insurance from day one, competitive PTO, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of cell culture techniques using mammalian cells.
• Proven ability to operate and troubleshoot bioreactors.
• Experience in project management and team training.

Responsibilities

• Leads process development activities and manages multiple projects.
• Designs and executes complex DoE studies.
• Mentors junior scientists and provides technical guidance.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Bioreactor operation and troubleshooting

Experimental data analysis

Project management

Training and development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology

Job description

About the Role

The Scientist II provides active leadership and execution of the laboratory experiments and protocols for upstream process development efforts. This individual will lead projects and complex experiments, train junior scientists, and actively contribute to the advancement of AAV manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Senior-level technical contributor and subject matter expert for upstream systems and process strategy
• Independently manages multiple projects or client programs simultaneously, maintaining a high degree of quality, scientific rigor, and compliance
• Leads process development activities for early‑to‑late stage programs, including scale‑up, technology transfer, and validation support
• Designs and executes complex DoE studies, authors technical reports, and contributes to regulatory documentation
• Anticipates challenges in upstream scale‑up and proactively develops solutions to ensure technical success
• Acts as a key liaison between Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to align on strategy and ensure smooth GMP execution
• Contributes scientific rationale for tech transfer packages and GMP documentation without owning official SOPs or batch records
• Mentors junior scientists and associates through day‑to‑day technical guidance, fostering development in experimental design, documentation standards, and scientific reasoning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Working knowledge of cell culture techniques utilizing mammalian cells
• Proven ability to operate and troubleshoot bioreactors
• Experience planning, conducting and reviewing experimental data with minimal oversight
• Experience training and development of other team members
• Experience analyzing data sets and utilizing the corresponding data to influence decision making
• Experience working with external collaborators (clients, external technology transfers, etc.)
• Project management experience

Preferred Skills

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working with viral vectors (AAV, Lentivirus, etc.)

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in both a laboratory environment and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The employee will be stationary (standing/sitting) for extended periods of time. Employees regularly wear personal protective equipment based on the task being performed. Must be able to work in a confined space, such as a clean room or laboratory environment. Ability to identify small details within the field of vision, distinguish between different colors, and accurately identify objects within a specific area.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits

Health from day one

• Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.

Time to recharge

• A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.

Rewarding your impact

• Annual bonus opportunities for all full‑time team members.
• 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.

Your wellness, supported

• Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.
• Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer‑paid short and long‑term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.

Fuel for your workday

• A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what’s next.

Grow with us

• Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your care and grow within Forge.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.