Senior Specialist, Chemical Biotechnologies (Onsite)

Job Description

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to enhance our expertise and expand our capabilities in high-throughput screening and automation for the design and engineering of proteins with novel functions. The mission of the group is to invent, develop, and implement biomolecules and biocatalytic processes to advance our company's pipeline and our impact on the scientific community. We view protein engineering as a key enabler in modern drug discovery and development and are committed to developing novel methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering to improve human health. We leverage high-throughput screening, advanced automation, computational modeling, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

The Senior Specialist designs, executes, and oversees high-throughput experimentation and automation efforts in protein engineering, contributes to strategic planning, and collaborates with cross-functional teams of chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across our company to develop novel proteins and support cross-departmental projects. Key responsibilities include: (1) leading the implementation of biochemical assays and the design and execution of high-throughput experiments in protein engineering to deliver high-quality, reproducible results; (2) identifying opportunities and driving initiatives to enhance operational excellence, efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability of laboratory protocols by integrating automation, data visualization pipelines, and advanced analytical technologies; and (3) mentoring, coaching, and training team members at the bench to foster technical excellence and align on scientific objectives. Additionally, the Senior Specialist identifies, develops, and implements innovative experimental techniques, both independently and collaboratively, to enhance our ability to engineer complex proteins and support multiple programs.

Education Requirements:
· B.S. degree with 5+ years of experience or M.S. with 3+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
Or
· PhD degree Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
 

Required Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of and experience with protein engineering, enzyme development, and directed evolution techniques

• Experience with high-throughput experimental methods and automation

• Experience with analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and biochemical assay development

• Experience in operating and troubleshooting of analytical and/or robotics instrumentation

• Experience in biochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic characterization of proteins

• Experience in driving robustness, reproducibility, and scalability of experimental protocols through data-driven and continuous improvement practices.

• Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

• Strong communication and organizational skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance operational efficiency in laboratory or industrial environments

• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and upholding operational excellence

• Experience mentoring or supervising junior scientists and engineers in a laboratory or manufacturing environment

• Understanding of statistical data analysis, experimental design, and data visualization tools (e.g., JMP, SpotFire, Excel) to optimize experimental protocols and drive operational excellence

• Experience in developing biocatalytic processes

• Experience in optimizing chemical reactions

• Hands-on experience with UV-Vis plate readers, Sciex Echo-MS technology, and Agilent LC-MS systems

• Experience with programming languages and coding practices (e.g., Python, C++, R)

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