Upstream/Downstream Process Development Scientist I

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing efficiency in their laboratories, we are here to support them.

At Viral Vector Services (VVS) a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, we deliver from process development through commercial supply, we offer the expertise and resources to help clients deliver innovative gene therapies.

Job Title: Scientist I Process Development-Upstream or Downstream

Location/Division Specific Information: US - Massachusetts – Plainville (on-site)

How will you make an impact?

As the Upstream/Downstream Process Development Scientist you will help our clients to deliver lifesaving and life changing therapies to patients in need. You will be supporting planning, executing, and documenting laboratory and tech transfer activities in support of process establishment, pilot, and transfer into cGMP manufacturing. You will also act as a subject matter expert (SME) and support transfer and operation of internally developed and client-transferred processes into the process development and pilot space. You will also be supporting tech transfer out to the cGMP manufacturing space.  

Education regiments:

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or related field

General qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of experimental design with the ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments.
• Collaborate with the Analytical Development team to develop comprehensive testing plans.
• Participate in client meetings to present results and assist with drafting process development reports.
• Prepare Process Development records, work instructions, and batch records.
• Proficiency in technical writing, adhering to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), with preferred experience in data compilation and interpretation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and concisely interpret, summarize, and present scientific data.
• Flexibility in work hours, including availability for weekends and evenings, as the need arises to meet project timelines.

Upstream Process Development Qualifications:

• Practical experience in aseptic techniques, cell culture, single-use bioreactors (SUBs), wave reactors, and harvest/clarification processes is preferred. Familiarity with transfection and infection -based processes for gene therapy production

Downstream Process Development Qualifications:

• Expertise in various purification techniques, including affinity and anion exchange chromatography, with proficiency in using AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software is helpful. Experience with filtration-based unit operations such as tangential flow filtration, sterile filtration, and depth filtration is helpful.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to analyze and summarize scientific data
• Understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills; written and oral
• Ability to function in a constantly evolving environment & balance multiple priorities.
• A flexible work schedule is required including Weekend and night as needed to support lab activities.