Upstream Senior Scientist, Process Development

Plains VC; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Plains VC in Oklahoma City seeks an experienced upstream Process Development Senior Scientist to drive mammalian bioprocess development, optimization, and scale-up for biologic drug substances.

You will design experiments, apply DoE, collaborate across MSAT, manufacturing and quality, mentor junior staff, and prepare technical reports and regulatory documentation. Ability to work independently and in a team is essential.

Qualifications

• 5–12 years of hands-on bioprocessing or biopharmaceutical development experience.
• CDMO environment experience required.
• Experience with suspension mammalian cell culture and stirred-tank bioreactors.
• Knowledge of protein purification and analytical techniques is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of regulatory standards (cGMP/GLP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments to support mammalian upstream process development.
• Utilize DoE for data analysis and experimental design.
• Assist in optimizing upstream bioprocess parameters for yield, purity, and quality.
• Support scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing or pilot facilities.
• Work cross-functionally with analytical development, MSAT, manufacturing and quality teams.
• Prepare buffers, media, and other solutions per SOPs.
• Operate and maintain flask and bioreactor equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data; maintain lab records.
• Present findings in internal and client meetings.
• Author technical reports and regulatory documentation.
• Complete root cause analyses and implement CAPAs as needed.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates.
• Follow safety, quality, and compliance requirements.

Skills

DoE

Data analysis

Lab experiments

Cross-functional collaboration

cGMP knowledge

Regulatory documentation

Bioreactor operation

Mentoring

Problem solving

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Stirred tank bioreactors

Protein purification techniques

Analytical techniques

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.