Bioprocess Associate - BA24-13810

Job Diva ID:  24-13810

Job Title: Bioprocess Associate

Location: Elkton, VA 22827

Duration: 12 Months

Shift: 3-2-3 rotating day/night schedule (6 a.m. - 6 p.m., 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.)

Job Summary:

As a part of the Process Development team, your primary focus will be to assist in driving the fermentation and purification processes for proteins and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) at both laboratory and pilot scale. You will also provide vital support for process development activities and assist in manufacturing-related investigations.

Reporting to the Technical Operations Department, you will play a key role in supporting the production of HPV Gardasil. This role requires a strong understanding of fermentation, cell culture, protein purification, and protein chemistry, as well as experience with analytical techniques and laboratory operations. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and scale-down pharmaceutical processes, help facilitate the technology transfer to the Elkton site, and provide ongoing process support.

Responsibilities:

Fermentation and Purification: Contribute to the execution and optimization of lab-scale fermentation and protein purification processes.

Process Development Support: Assist in the completion of experiments and manufacturing investigations.

Lab Studies: Perform and troubleshoot experiments to ensure the efficiency of laboratory-scale studies.

Documentation: Maintain comprehensive laboratory notebooks and technical documentation to support experimental outcomes.

Sample Handling: Maintain proper procedures for handling and organizing samples.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field such as biochemistry, chemistry, biology, life sciences, or engineering.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and/or micro-fermentation.
• Familiarity with automation systems, such as DeltaV, is highly desirable.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and maintaining sterile environments in the lab.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including pipetting, buffer preparation, filtration, and dilution.
• Strong technical writing skills for maintaining lab records and managing data.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to solve technical problems and interpret data effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with lab-scale fermentation or cell culture, ideally with shake flasks.
• Understanding of yeast fermentation and metabolic processes.
• Familiarity with both lab operations and facility operations.
• Industry experience in troubleshooting experimental or equipment-related issues.
• Experience in process characterization studies at a laboratory scale.