Biopharmaceutical Production Scientist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Career development

Tech access

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Biopharmaceutical Production Scientist for our Upington facility. The role covers upstream cell culture and/or downstream purification for complex biologics, with strict GMP adherence and regulatory requirements.

Ideal candidates hold a master's or PhD in a related field and have at least four years of hands-on biopharma experience, including cell culture or protein purification and aseptic techniques. Excellent documentation and team collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on biopharmaceutical manufacturing or process development experience.
• Experience with cell culture or protein purification methods and GMP expectations.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor mammalian cell culture processes for biologics production.
• Perform downstream purification to isolate target proteins.
• Operate and maintain production equipment with proper calibration.
• Follow SOPs and batch records to ensure quality and consistency.
• Conduct in-process testing and data analysis to monitor performance.
• Assist in process troubleshooting and optimization activities.
• Ensure GMP, safety, and environmental standards compliance.
• Maintain detailed production records and documentation.
• Support process validation and technology transfer initiatives.

Skills

Cell culture

Bioprocess engineering

GMP compliance

Aseptic technique

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Master's or PhD in Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Biological Sciences

Tools

HPLC

Tangential flow filtration

Bioreactor operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Biopharmaceutical Production Scientist to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is essential for the large-scale manufacturing of complex biological products, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. You will be involved in upstream (cell culture) and/or downstream (purification) processes, ensuring adherence to strict GMP standards and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background in cell biology, biochemistry, or bioprocess engineering, coupled with hands-on experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the production of life-changing biotherapeutics in a state-of-the-art facility in Upington.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor mammalian cell culture processes (e.g., bioreactors, wave bags) for the production of biologics.
• Perform downstream purification operations (e.g., chromatography, filtration) to isolate and purify target proteins.
• Operate and maintain production equipment, ensuring proper calibration and functionality.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records meticulously to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Perform in-process testing and data analysis to monitor process performance.
• Participate in process troubleshooting and optimization activities.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Maintain accurate and detailed production records and documentation.
• Support process validation activities and technology transfer initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing or process development environment.
• Proven experience with cell culture techniques (e.g., cell expansion, bioreactor operation) or protein purification methods (e.g., HPLC, tangential flow filtration).
• Thorough understanding of GMP principles and regulatory expectations for biologics manufacturing.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and sterile processing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with the Upington, Northern Cape area is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Access to advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.