Upstream Senior Scientist, Process Development

Syneos Health, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Syneos Health, Inc. is seeking an experienced Upstream Process Development Senior Scientist to advance mammalian upstream bioprocesses, including design of experiments, process optimization, and scale-up.

You will contribute to lab work, data analysis, and regulatory documentation, working cross-functionally to transfer processes to manufacturing. The role requires 5–12 years in biopharma, CDMO exposure, and hands-on mammalian cell culture with stirred tank bioreactors; knowledge of purification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology or related field.
• 5–12 years of hands-on bioprocessing/biopharmaceutical development experience.
• CDMO experience required; cell culture in mammalian systems expected.
• Knowledge of protein purification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab experiments to support mammalian upstream process development.
• Apply DoE for data analysis and experimental design.
• Optimize upstream parameters for yield, purity and quality.
• Support scale-up and tech transfer to manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborate with analytical, MSAT, manufacturing and quality teams.
• Prepare buffers, media and solutions per SOPs.
• Operate and maintain flasks and bioreactors.
• Analyze data, maintain lab records and notebooks.
• Present findings in internal and client meetings.
• Author technical reports and regulatory documentation.
• Conduct Root Cause Analyses and implement CAPAs as needed.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates.
• Adhere to safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

Skills

DoE knowledge

Mammalian cell culture

Stirred tank bioreactors

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's, master's or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or related field

Job description

Description

As an upstream Process Development Senior Scientist, you will support the development, optimization, and scale-up of mammalian upstream bioprocesses for the manufacture of biologic drug substances. You will contribute to the design and execution of laboratory experiments, data analysis, and technical documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments to support mammalian upstream (cell culture) process development.
• Utilize Design of Experiments (DoE) for data analysis and experimental design.
• Assist in the optimization of upstream bioprocess parameters for yield, purity, and product quality attributes, collaborating with downstream, analytical and formulation teams.
• Support scale-up and technology transfer of processes to manufacturing or pilot facilities based on engineering principles including oxygen transfer.
• Work cross-functionally with analytical development, MSAT, manufacturing and quality teams to drive successful technology transfer.
• Prepare buffers, media, and other solutions according to SOPs and protocols.
• Operate and maintain flask and bioreactor equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; maintain accurate lab records and electronic notebooks.
• Present findings in internal and client meetings.
• Author technical reports and regulatory documentation.
• Complete Root Cause Analyses as needed, implementing corrective and preventative actions as needed.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates in daily activities, data trending and data analysis.
• Follow all safety, quality, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or related field.

Experience

• 5 - 12 years of hands-on experience in a bioprocessing or biopharmaceutical development environment (academic or industrial); some education qualifications may substitute for some years of experience.
• Experience in a CDMO environment is required.
• Experience with suspension mammalian cell culture and stirred tank bioreactors is required.
• Knowledge of protein purification and analytical techniques is a plus.

Skills And Knowledge

• Understanding of cGMP, GLP, or other regulatory standards (preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.