Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Pfizer
Andover, Massachusetts
Competitive
February 28 2021
4785348
Full Time
Pharma
ROLE SUMMARY

A Scientist (R3) position is available in the Upstream Process Development group within the Bioprocess R&D organization. The successful applicant will join a team of scientists and engineers focused on developing and optimizing mammalian cell culture processes for production of recombinant proteins and biologics for early- and late-phase human clinical trials. In this role, the candidate will be responsible for designing and execute mammalian cell bioreactor experiments in bench-top bioreactors and associated scale-down equipment with the goal of developing robust, scalable, and high productivity processes that produce therapeutic proteins with appropriate product quality attributes to treat human diseases. The work will also involve working with pilot scale, commercial and clinical production facilities to ensure accurate technology transfer, successful large-scale production and associated regulatory filing activities. The candidate may also be involved in cutting edge technology development projects that seek to improve production processes both from a process engineering as well as a biological perspective that have the potential to intensify mammalian cell culture processes.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for execution of bioreactor and shake flasks experiments in an effort to develop manufacturing processes for mammalian cell lines producing therapeutic biological molecules of interest.
  • Responsible for leading up-stream process scale-up efforts in support of the Pfizer biologics portfolio including execution of lab and pilot scale bioreactor experiments.
  • Participates and significantly contributes to discussions in lab and project team meetings on design of experiments (bioreactor and shake flask) and interpretation of experimental data.
  • Acts as a technical resource within the upstream group. Provides formal/informal mentoring to junior colleagues within work group/project team.
  • Works under limited supervision with periodic review of achievement of results and experimental approaches employed. Manages own time to meet agreed targets. Develops plans for short-term work activities on own projects.
  • Contributes to safe, efficient, effective and harmonious lab environment, ensures appropriate cleanliness and status/ operability of shared or assigned lab space or equipment; strong lab citizen and collaborative team player; approaches the job with energy and commitment; frequently demonstrates initiative.
  • Ensures effective, high-quality, timely and appropriate documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and internal technical reports; presents data/ strategy to scientists and management in appropriate internal and external venues (technical meetings, project team meetings, conferences) as appropriate.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree with 6+ years' industrial experience OR Master's degree with 4+ years' industrial experience in the area of Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related fields
  • Significant experience with process scale up to pilot and commercial GMP manufacturing
  • Strong mammalian cell culture expertise required, knowledge pertaining to other heterologous expression systems desirable
  • Significant experience working with small-scale bioreactors (1-3 Liters) within an industrial setting
  • An in-depth knowledge of bioreactor operations and in particular fed-batch and/or perfusion modes of cell culture
  • Strong trouble-shooting skills and extreme attention to detail required
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience in developing commercially relevant cell culture processes to produce pharmacologically active proteins
  • Experience working with miniature bioreactors (ambr15) in a bioprocessing setting
  • Knowledge of cell line development and regulatory submissions
  • Knowledge of various aspects of cell physiology including metabolism and glycosylation
  • Visibility in mammalian cell culture community as a technical expert with growing scientific contributions in form of external presentations or publications


Other Job Details:
  • Last Date to Apply for Job: March 3, 2021
  • Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus
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Research and Development

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