Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Pivotal; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Pivotal in San Diego seeks a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist to lead bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development. You will drive scale-up strategies, manage CDMO collaborations, and Partner with research, analytical, and quality teams to turn research into executable development plans.

Strong leadership and documentation skills are essential. The role requires 6–10+ years in related fields, hands-on chromatography, and a track record mentoring

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years in bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
• Hands-on purification using chromatography (affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic, size exclusion, mixed-mode).
• Experience with downstream purification and process transfer to CDMOs.

Responsibilities

• Lead recombinant protein expression and purification development and scale-up.
• Oversee CDMO activities, tech transfer, timelines, and partner communication.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate research into process development plans.
• Prepare technical reports and risk assessments for internal stakeholders.

Skills

Protein expression

Purification

Bioprocess development

Project leadership

Documentation

Education

PhD or MS in Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry/BME/Chemical Engineering

Tools

FPLC

HPLC/UPLC

Benchling

Job description

Title: Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Location: San Diego

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us: We are an innovative, stealth-mode biotech focused on developing best-in-class delivery for in vivo gene editing.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific leader to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences. This role will provide deep technical expertise in bacterial recombinant protein production programs that support research and development. The successful candidate will drive process development, scale-up strategy, and external manufacturing oversight in a fast-moving, collaborative environment. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical expert for recombinant protein expression, downstream purification, and analytical characterization.
• Design, develop, optimize, and scale bacterial culture, recombinant protein purification, and downstream processes for internal research programs and external manufacturing activities.
• Develop robust purification strategies using multiple chromatography modalities, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, and mixed-mode chromatography.
• Manage and oversee CDMO activities, including technology transfer, process troubleshooting, timelines, deliverables, and communication with external partners.
• Partner cross-functionally with research, analytical, quality, and leadership teams to translate research priorities into executable process development plans.
• Establish clear documentation, protocols, experimental plans, and data packages that support research decisions, process understanding, and external partner execution.
• Prepare and present technical reports, development strategies, data-driven recommendations, and risk assessments to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6-10+ years of progressive experience in bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and mentoring or managing scientists.
• Hands-on expertise with recombinant protein purification using FPLC and chromatography approaches such as affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, or mixed-mode chromatography.
• Experience developing and executing normal-flow filtration, tangential-flow filtration, and UF/DF processes.
• Strong working knowledge of recombinant protein analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and other biochemical or biophysical assays.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with downstream purification and polishing of AAV, lentiviral, or exosomal (EV) vectors.
• Routine use of electronic laboratory notebooks, such as Benchling, with a strong commitment to data integrity.
• Direct experience managing or collaborating with CDMOs for process development or manufacturing.
• Experience with bioreactor operations, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Protein characterization experience using HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations related to bioprocessing and manufacturing.
• Background in protein engineering, recombinant protein production, or research-stage process development.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
• We offer an exceptional benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary Range

$120,000 - $198,000