Scientist II - Manager, PD Upstream

Forge Biologics

Columbus (OH)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

401(k) with company match

Onsite fitness facility

Job summary

Forge Biologics seeks a Scientist II to lead upstream process development for AAV manufacturing. You will design experiments, drive scale-up, and help transfer tech while coordinating with Manufacturing and Quality. Mentor junior scientists and contribute to regulatory support.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, rigorous data analysis, and hands-on leadership in a cGMP lab at The Hearth in Columbus, OH. You’ll grow with our mission to deliver gene therapies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or related discipline (or equivalent).
Hands-on cell culture with mammalian cells and bioreactor operation.
Ability to plan and review experiments with minimal oversight.
Experience training and developing other team members.
Data analysis to inform decisions and external collaborations.

Responsibilities

Lead upstream process development for early- to late-stage programs including scale-up and tech transfer.
Design complex DoE studies, write reports, and contribute to GMP documentation.
Mentor junior scientists and guide experimental design and data records.
Coordinate with Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality for alignment.
Identify challenges and develop solutions to ensure technical success.

Skills

Upstream process development

Cell culture techniques

Bioreactor operation

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring junior scientists

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Bioengineering

Bachelor’s in Biology

Related discipline or experience

Master’s or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Bioreactors

Job description

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll be part of it. Whether you’re scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you’ll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture ofH.O.P.E.We arehardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We areopen, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We arepurpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we areengaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We’re committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we’re proud to see team members grow with us.

If you’re ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

About The Role:

The ScientistIIprovides active leadership and execution ofthe laboratoryexperiments and protocols for upstream process development efforts. This individual will leadprojects andcomplex experiments,trainjunior 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 , Bio e ngineering, 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
E xperience training and development of other team members
Experience analyzing data sets and utilizing the corresponding data to influence decision making
E xperience working with external collaborators (clients, external technology transfers, etc. )

PreferredSkills:

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

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.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in both a laboratory environment andtypicaloffice environment where thephysical workdemands 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 toidentifysmall detailswithin the field of vision, distinguish betweendifferent colors, and accuratelyidentifyobjects within a specific area.

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.

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.
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