Senior Scientist – Process Development
AvantorAbout the role
The Opportunity:
Under limited supervision, develop and implement solutions for customers based on our products and services through close collaboration with customers and other innovation associates/scientists. Identify and develop innovative applications for a range of products to solve specific customer issues by planning and executing hands on studies at internal and customer laboratories.What We’re Looking For
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field (required).
Minimum of 5+ years of relevant industry experience in mRNA, RNA, nucleic acid, biologics, or pharmaceutical process development. Doctoral or relevant academic experience may be considered equivalent to industry experience.
Strong understanding of mRNA process development, including DNA template generation, in vitro transcription (IVT), enzymatic processing, purification, and analytical characterization.
Hands-on experience with nucleic acid process development, molecular biology techniques, and scalable manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of process development principles including DOE, QbD, process characterization, scale-up, risk assessment, and CPP/CQA relationships.
Experience troubleshooting complex technical challenges, interpreting multidisciplinary data, and developing data-driven solutions.
Excellent technical writing, presentation, project leadership, and cross-functional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
End-to-end mRNA development experience from DNA template preparation through purified mRNA and formulation interface.
Experience with IVT, capping/polyadenylation, chromatography, TFF/UF-DF, process scale-up, technology transfer, or GMP manufacturing support.
Familiarity with high-throughput automation, continuous manufacturing, process intensification, PAT, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
Experience with mRNA analytical techniques such as HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, CE, qPCR/ddPCR, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, sequencing, or impurity analysis.
Experience applying DOE, QbD, JMP, Minitab, Python, R, or related statistical and data-analysis tools.
Exposure to GMP/GLP environments, regulatory documentation, method qualification, validation, or technology transfer activities.
Experience evaluating emerging technologies, vendors, CDMOs, external collaborations, or technical due diligence opportunities.
How You Will Thrive and Create an Impact
Process Development
Design, develop, and optimize end-to-end mRNA manufacturing processes, including DNA template generation, IVT, enzymatic processing, purification, buffer exchange, and formulation interfaces.
Develop robust and scalable workflows to improve mRNA yield, purity, quality, process robustness, and manufacturability.
Apply DOE, QbD, risk assessment, and statistical tools to build process understanding and establish relationships between process parameters and product quality attributes.
Collaborate with Analytical Developm
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