Scientist - Upstream Cell Culture

Novartis Group Companies; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 94,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Equity awards eligibility

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in Durham, NC is seeking an Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture to lead upstream process development for gene therapy vectors (AAV/LVV), support tech transfer and GMP manufacturing.

You will design experiments, apply DoE and QbD, optimize bioreactor operations, and collaborate with R&D, analytical development and pilot-scale teams to ensure regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related field with 4-6 years relevant experience or Master’s with 2-4 or PhD with 0-2.
• Extensive experience with production of virus or biologics from mammalian expression systems.
• Hands on experience with different cell lines, bioreactors, and scale-down model is required.
• Knowledge with a variety of biopharmaceutical purification processes.
• Proficient in statistical analysis principles and approaches. Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).

Responsibilities

• Leads and supports activity with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and document experiments and early manufacturing.
• Designs time-sensitive experiments and data capture to advance development to GMP manufacturing.
• Applies DoE/QbD studies to develop and optimize cell culture and vector production processes.
• Supports technology transfer and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensures documentation and reports are accurate for production and regulatory filings.

Skills

DoE

Bioprocess knowledge

Statistical analysis

Team communication

Education

Bachelor's in Biochemistry

Master's in Biochemical Engineering

PhD (desired)

Tools

Bioreactors

Scale-down models

Job description

Job Description Summary

Location: Durham, NC #onsite

Novartis will not sponsor visas for this position.

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

This role is required to be in our Durham, NC office 5x/week.

Role Purpose

The Expert, Science & Technology - Upstream/Cell Culture, is responsible for cell & gene therapy (AAV and LVV) upstream process development, optimization and scaling up/down, process characterization, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing support.

Job Description

Major accountabilities

• Leads and support activity with cross-functional organizations to plan, execute, and document experiments and early manufacturing that define the process, and method of delivery to the clinical and commercial sites.
• Design and execution of time-sensitive experiments, studies, and capturing related data and knowledge, to advance the development products from Research to Development to GMP manufacturing.
• Maintains constant awareness of novel biochemical and biophysical technologies for gene therapy production and characterization. Keeps up to date with the scientific literature and developments in the field. Applies understanding of regulatory expectations to process development strategies. Contributes to process risk assessments. Justifies development strategies and experiment designs.
• Designs and applies DOE and QbD studies to develop, refine, optimize and characterize cell culture and vector production processes. Executes experiments and troubleshoot process and equipment. Conducts laboratory studies to enhance gene therapy manufacturing technologies, capabilities and processes (such as media development, bioreactor fed-batch and perfusion process development, optimization and scale-up).
• Supports initiatives for new technology development and continuous improvement projects.
• Provides support for process, analytical, and characterization knowledge related to the production of gene therapy products, and the raw materials needed to make them.
• Tracks records of collaborative relations with groups such as research and development, analytical development, and pilot scale operations.
• Ensures all documentation and reports are accurate, complete, and suitable for using in support of production, characterization, and regulatory filings.
• Writes detailed experimental protocols, develop Bill of Materials (BOM), executes and documents experimental studies according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or established practices, review and report data.
• Creates and revise SOPs for equipment and process operations.
• Lead the authoring of technical reports and CMC sections for regulatory filings.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, or related technical field with 4-6 years relevant experience or Master's with 2-4 or PhD with 0-2.
• Extensive experience with production of virus or biologics from mammalian expression systems.
• Hands on experience with different cell lines, bioreactors, and scale-down model is required.
• Organized and systematic approach to viral or biologic production.
• Ability to multi-task and meet tight timelines is essential.
• Knowledge with a variety of biopharmaceutical purification processes.
• Proficient in statistical analysis principles and approaches. Working knowledge and experience with Design of Experiment (DoE).
• Ability to analyze data to make date-driven decisions and further progress development strategies. Innovative with a continuous improvement mindset. Excellent team player with good communication skills. Knowledge of viral cell/gene therapy and previous experience with AAV & LVV processes development is preferred.
• Excellent team player with good communication skills.

Languages

• English.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days,

holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00

Skills Desired