Senior Scientist/Team Leader - Bioprocess Development

Ecolab; King of Prussia (PA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecolab seeks a Senior Scientist/Team Leader - Bioprocess Development to lead downstream development for monoclonal antibodies with a strong emphasis on chromatography and technology transfer to external manufacturers.

You will mentor scientists, design scalable purification strategies, and collaborate with biopharma clients to advance programs toward commercialization, ensuring regulatory readiness and high-quality data.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 8+ years of industry experience
• Ph.D. with 4+ years of experience in downstream process development for biologics
• Demonstrated expertise in preparative chromatography and antibody purification
• Proven ability to lead small scientific teams and manage lab operations

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of bioprocess development scientists and serve as SME in monoclonal antibody downstream processing with purification focus
• Design, execute, and analyze chromatography-based purification processes for mAbs (Protein A, ion exchange, HIC)
• Develop scalable purification processes and manage technology transfer with external manufacturing partners
• Prepare technical reports and documentation to support regulatory submissions
• Mentor junior scientists and oversee daily lab operations

Skills

Team leadership

Downstream processing

Chromatography

Monoclonal antibodies

Regulatory documentation

Education

M.S. in Biochemistry or related

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

AKTA systems

Unicorn software

HPLC

SDS-PAGE

ELISA

Job description

Senior Scientist/Team Leader - Bioprocess Development

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experiencedSenior Scientist/Team Leader - Bioprocess Developmentto lead downstream process development team focused on the chromatographic purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This role is central to our mission of enabling large and small biopharmaceutical companies to bring transformative therapies to patients faster and more efficiently.

As a scientific leader, you will guide a team in designing and executing purification strategies that support late-stage development and manufacturing readiness. You'll work closely with external biopharma clients, helping them advance their molecules toward commercialization-ultimately impacting patient lives around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of bioprocess development scientists and serve as a subject matter expert in monoclonal antibody downstream processing with a heavy focus on preparative chromatography. Partner with leaders across Ecolab's global Bioprocessing labs to address complex purification challenges.
• Design, execute, and analyze chromatography-based purification processes for mAbs, including Protein A, ion exchange, HIC, and related modalities.
• Develop scalable, robust purification processes tailored to client molecules and manufacturing objectives.
• Lead technology transfer activities with external manufacturing partners.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, and documentation to support regulatory submissions.

• Work directly with leading biopharma clients to align on study design, timelines, and deliverables.
• Deliver high-quality experimental data that supports client development programs and regulatory filings.
• Act as a trusted scientific partner, helping clients resolve technical challenges and accelerate progress toward commercialization.

• Manage daily lab operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, supporting their technical growth and execution excellence.
• Promote a culture of scientific rigor, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with8+ yearsof relevant industry experience, or
• Ph.D. with4+ yearsof experience in downstream process development for biologics.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparative chromatography and antibody purification.
• Proven ability to lead small scientific teams and manage lab operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with AKTA systems, Unicorn software, and high-throughput screening platforms (e.g., Tecan Te-Chrom).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, UV spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with tech transfer, cGMP/cGLP standards, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience in client-facing or CDMO environments is a plus.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of statistical tools (e.g., JMP,) and data analysis software

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a lab-based leadership role-it's an opportunity to directly influence the development of biologic therapies that improve and save lives. You'll be working with some of the world's leading biopharma companies, helping them refine and scale their purification processes to bring innovative treatments to patients in need.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The base salary range for this position is $107,600.00 - $161,500.00.

This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

• Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging

At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.

In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through affirmative Action (AA).

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.