Associate Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Continuous Manufacturing Technologies

Job Description

Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Continuous Manufacturing Technologies

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process R&D Enabling Technologies organization is seeking a highly-motivated and technology-focused scientific leader looking for opportunities to positively impact our Company's manufacturing platforms across therapeutic modalities with a special focus on Vaccine Process Development. 

Specifically, CET is seeking Scientists specializing in bioprocessing technologies for vaccine candidates encompassing adjuvants, virus-like particles, nucleic acid vaccines, conjugate vaccines, live/attenuated viruses, and other large biomolecules - at our site in West Point, PA.

The CET group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools and methodologies aimed at improving production processes being developed for molecules in the company’s drug candidate pipeline.  Knowledge of intensified unit operations such as multi-column chromatography, single-pass ultrafiltration and in-line diafiltration in addition to applied knowledge of hardware/software integration, process automation systems, and process analytical technologies (PAT) are valued skills within the group.  The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in vaccine process development, whether upstream, downstream or both.

As a member of the CET group’s leadership team, the chosen applicant will report to the group’s Senior Director and will focus on delivering technical innovation, both personally and through mentorship/leadership of others.  The applicant will also assist in setting the scientific strategy of the CET group aligning with the mission of the larger Process R&D-Enabling Technologies organization. Leaders in CET are responsible for advancing a culture of scientific excellence, identifying emerging trends in continuous manufacturing and vaccine processing and defining the field through invention of novel tools. Leadership team members are also expected to play an active role in recruiting and developing the talent on our teams, and promoting collaborative research praised both internally and externally as exemplary of a multi-disciplinary research group.

In particular, the chosen candidate will also play an important role in directing the preparation of disclosures to be used as the basis for patent applications, publications and external presentations and should possess an established track record of interaction with the international academic community. In addition to a passion for intensified bioprocessing technologies, the chosen candidate should also have excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills and is expected to embrace and model our core values of diversity, equity and inclusion and foster a supportive culture where all can thrive.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Partner with functional area project teams and subject matter experts to set strategy and priorities for technology innovation.

• Provide scientific leadership to the West Point team, driving the design, execution, and documentation of experiments to develop novel technologies

• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement novel technologies in the clinical and commercial spaces.

• Contribute to the development of next generation vaccine manufacturing and process development platforms.

• Integrate unit operations both physically and with relevant process control and monitoring platforms for concurrent operations.

• Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment. 

• Provide mentorship for a team of scientists and partner with the CET leadership team for their ongoing development.

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement: 

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, biological sciences, microbiology or a related field.

• Extended academic or industrial experience in a product, process or technology development area:

  • BS +8 years

  • MS +7 years

  • PhD +5 years

Required Experience and Skills: 

• Ability to independently prioritize, plan, and execute experimental workflows.

• Experience in the preparative bioprocessing of proteins, adjuvants, viruses, virus-like particles, RNA and/or large biological molecules.

• Technical backgr