Senior Biologist

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals; Hazelwood (MO); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Keenova seeks a Senior Biologist to lead development, validation, and transfer of biological assays for biotherapeutic products. You will drive cell-based potency assay development, protein characterization, and gene expression analyses in a collaborative, regulated setting.

The role requires leadership across teams, strong communication, and delivery of milestones within GMP-compliant frameworks. Hybrid/onsite work in a high-impact environment is offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 5+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience.
• MS with 7+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience.
• BS with 10+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader in cell and molecular biology, leading development, validation, and transfer of biological assays for biotherapeutic products.
• Design, develop, optimize, and validate cell-based potency assays and protein characterization methods per regulatory expectations.
• Apply expertise in protein and gene expression analysis, including mammalian cell culture, PCR/qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and scientific guidance to resolve analytical and biological challenges.
• Characterize proteins, peptides, raw materials, intermediates, drug substances, and drug products to support manufacturing and lifecycle management.
• Lead CROs and cross-functional teams to execute projects and achieve development objectives.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Cell-based potency assays

Protein characterization

Molecular biology

Education

PhD in Biology

MS/BS with industry experience

Job description

Job Title

Senior Biologist

Requisition

JR000015998 Senior Biologist (Open)

Location

St. Louis, MO

Additional Locations

Hazelwood, MO

Job Description Summary

Keenova Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Biologist to join the Global Technical Operations team. This role will provide scientific leadership in the development, validation, transfer, and application of biological assays to support the characterization, quality control, and lifecycle management of biotherapeutic products and manufacturing materials. Responsibilities include development of cell-based potency assays and protein and gene expression characterization methods. The successful candidate will collaborate across functions to support assay modernization initiatives, product development, manufacturing investigations, and regulatory activities.

Job Description

• Serve as a technical leader in cell and molecular biology, leading development, validation, and transfer of biological assays for biotherapeutic products.
• Design, develop, optimize, and validate cell-based potency assays, protein characterization methods, and molecular biology assays in accordance with current regulatory expectations.
• Apply expertise in protein and gene expression analysis, including mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, and related methodologies.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and scientific guidance to resolve complex analytical and biological challenges.
• Characterize proteins, peptides, raw materials, intermediates, drug substances, and drug products to support manufacturing, investigations, and product lifecycle management.
• Lead CROs and cross-functional teams to execute projects and achieve development objectives.
• Work with PM to establish project timelines, coordinate functional activities, and ensure delivery of milestones.
• Evaluate data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports suitable for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Responsible for clear communication in both written and oral forms to a broader audience.
• Collaborate effectively with Process Chemistry, Formulation, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs teams.
• Contribute to scientific innovation through implementation of new technologies, publications, intellectual property, and technical know-how.
• Ensure activities comply with applicable GMP requirements and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory documentation and follow established safety practices.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC/NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Working knowledge of FDA, ICH, and USP requirements applicable to biological assays and product characterization.
• Support preparation of technical summaries, reports, and documentation for regulatory submissions and health authority interactions.
• Contribute to development of regulatory strategies related to assay validation, comparability, and product characterization.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline.
• M.S. or B.S. in a related scientific discipline may be considered with appropriate industry experience.

Experience:

• Ph.D. with 5+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• MS with 7+ years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
• B.S. with 10+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated expertise in development, qualification, validation, and transfer of cell-based potency assays and biological methods.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, biotherapeutic product characterization, and development of cell-based potency assays is strongly preferred.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with protein characterization techniques, including Western blotting, ELISA, and automated capillary immunoassay platforms such as ProteinSimple Jess or Peggy Sue.
• Experience with molecular biology methods including PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and gene expression analysis.
• Experience supporting product investigations, process understanding, and manufacturing‑related technical studies is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of GMP regulations, assay validation principles, and regulatory expectations for biological products.
• Experience with LC‑MS, proteomics, and advanced protein characterization techniques is desirable.
• Strong scientific and technical expertise in cell and molecular biology.
• Demonstrated leadership and CRO management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and scientific data analysis software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, leadership, and external collaborators.

Organizational Relationship/Scope:

• Reports to Senior Director, Global Technical Operations

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid / Onsite

Keenova offers employees a Total Rewards package which includes competitive pay and benefits. To learn more about our Total Rewards benefits please visit: Keenova Careers | Serve and Grow with Purpose | Keenova

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

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At Keenova, we believe that no one should be alone in their pursuit of better health. This purpose drives us as we pair quality therapeutics with human support-showing up in big moments and small to help patients find comfort and confidence.

We bring deep expertise and resolve to every therapeutic area we serve, including immunology, urology,men's health, orthopedics, critical care, and pediatric endocrinology. We work with patients, care partners, and physicians to help them navigate healthcare system complexity and access therapies that make a meaningful difference.

We are Keenova-keen to solve, keen to serve. Learn more at www.keenova.com.