Senior Associate Scientist, Bioreactor Process Design

Job Title: Senior Associate Scientist, Bioreactor Process Design 

Location: Seattle, WA

Reports to: Senior Scientist II, Bioreactor Process Design

About Us:

At Just-Evotec, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged, it’s celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper? #BeCureious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role:

We’re looking for a passionate and curious, Senior Associate Scientist to join our team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Senior Associate Scientist at Just-Evotec, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You’ll Do:

• Preparing and running bench-scale bioreactors and bioreactor-related equipment (controllers, pumps, autoclaves, etc.) including building and autoclaving bioreactor parts and assemblies as well as assisting with bench-scale bioreactor operations (daily sampling and analytics, cleaning and maintenance, inoculation activities, run preparation, and troubleshooting).

• Performing mammalian cell culture work in an aseptic hood such as cell passaging and cell banking.

• Acquiring a high degree of proficiency in bioreactor control systems, software, analytical equipment; maintaining and troubleshooting instruments while maintaining a clean and organized lab space.

• Serving as a team member or functional area lead for platform client early-stage (FIH) or technology development projects; may also serve as a team member for complex client early-stage (FIH) or late-stage Process Characterization (PC) projects.

• Designing, executing, and analyzing statistically designed experiments (DOE) with supervision.

• Documenting best practices and technical results in ELNs, SOPs, summary reports, etc. with minimal supervision.

• Working with vendors and manufacturers in developing, ordering, and troubleshooting prototypes.

• Assisting with media and buffer preparation when needed.

• Potential for weekend work (5-day work week/ 2 days off) and being on-call for critical bioreactor runs.

• Other tasks as assigned.

Who You Are:

• Motivated – both individually and as a team member.  

• A natural collaborator who loves sharing ideas and learning from others. 

• Comfortable with ambiguity and thrives in environments where curiosity and experimentation are encouraged. 

• Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing, able to share complex ideas in a simple, relatable way. 

• A self-starter who takes initiative, owns your projects, and actively seeks out new challenges. 

Required Qualifications  

• BS in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field and 2+ years industry experience or MS degree in Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field with 2-4 years industry experience.

• Excellent attention to detail and focused when completing technical tasks; able to stay organized and relaxed in complex situations while keeping track of multiple tasks and data.

• Strong writing skills and efficient at documentation; comfortable communicating with project managers and subject matter experts about processes and technologies.

• Enthusiastic problem-solver who is self-motivated, able to make and follow through on goals, action-oriented, flexible, and eager to learn and grow their science and technology skill set.

• Experience with Microsoft Office apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with aseptic technique and small-scale mammalian cell culture.

• Experience with upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing equipment, especially perfusion technology.

• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting scientific or electronic equipment.

• Experience preparing cell culture media and buffers.

• Expe