Biologics Process Development Scientist

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Incentives based on performance

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Biologics Process Development Scientist to join a leading R&D team in Port Elizabeth. The role focuses on developing and optimizing robust, scalable manufacturing processes for therapeutic proteins and antibodies, spanning lab work through technology transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MS in relevant fields and 4–6 years of biologics experience, including cell culture and purification, with strong GMP knowledge and

Qualifications

• Requires MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 4–6 years in biologics process development, preferably monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in analytical methods for biomolecule characterization.
• Experience with process scale-up and technology transfer is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize upstream and downstream processes for monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant proteins.
• Design and execute experiments using bioreactors, chromatography systems, and filtration tech.
• Characterize intermediates and drug substance with analytical methods (HPLC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE).
• Scale-up to pilot scale; ensure robustness and reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot issues and collaborate with analytical development, formulation, and manufacturing teams.
• Perform process validation activities and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Cell culture

Purification

Analytical methods

Process scale-up

Tech transfer

GMP knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

MS/PhD in relevant field

Tools

Bioreactors

Chromatography systems

Filtration technologies

Job description

About the Role

Embark on a rewarding career in biopharmaceutical innovation with our client, a leader in therapeutic biologics. We are seeking a skilled Biologics Process Development Scientist to join our advanced R&D team in Port Elizabeth . This role is central to the development and optimization of robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for therapeutic proteins and antibodies. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of process development, from early-stage lab experiments to technology transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on scientist passionate about bringing life‑saving biologics from concept to reality. Our client is committed to scientific excellence and continuous improvement, offering a stimulating environment for growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical landscape of Port Elizabeth .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize upstream (cell culture) and downstream (purification) processes for monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein therapeutics.
• Design and execute experiments using various bioreactors, chromatography systems, and filtration technologies.
• Characterize process intermediates and final drug substance using analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, ELISA, SDS-PAGE).
• Scale-up processes from benchtop to pilot scale, ensuring process robustness and reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with analytical development, formulation, and manufacturing teams.
• Perform process validation activities and prepare technical reports.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission documents (e.g., IND, BLA).
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in biologics process development.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with safety regulations and GMP guidelines.

Requirements

• Requirements M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in biologics process development, preferably with experience in monoclonal antibodies or therapeutic proteins.
• Hands‑on experience with cell culture process development (e.g., mammalian cell lines) and/or protein purification techniques.
• Proficiency with relevant analytical methods for characterization of biomolecules.
• Experience with process scale‑up and technology transfer is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and regulatory requirements for biologics manufacturing.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced R&D setting in Port Elizabeth .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based incentives. We provide ample opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and attending scientific conferences.

Employees benefit from state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and a collaborative culture focused on innovation. Join a team dedicated to improving patient lives through advanced biologic therapies, right here in Port Elizabeth .