Job Information
Actalent Upstream Senior Scientist in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Job Summary
This individual will play a leading role on upstream process development including supervise a team of scientists/research associates; maintain insect cell culture, BVI and recombinant protein production, and write technical reports, etc. This person would also participate in the process improvement in small to large-scale (shake flasks and stirred-tank bioreactors up to 250L) to ensure scientifically sound design and scalable upstream
processes are created.
Essential Functions
Design experiments, execute media development studies, analyze data, make conclusions, and write reports to finalize the insect cell culture media formulation.
Record all data during the development studies in an organized manner and ensure that data is accurate and correct.
Perform cell culture and expansion of suspension insect cells in shaker flasks and bioreactors on a daily basis.
Prepare insect cell culture media and feed solutions, and record all necessary information in a specified format.
Perform cell growth test, recombinant baculovirus production and protein production in small flasks and bioreactors, and record all relevant data in timely manner.
Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of the baculovirus/insect cell expression system, bioreactor operation, and various assays like Rapid Titer assay, plaque assay, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, etc.
Perform inoculation, infection, sampling, and harvest processes related to shaker flasks (125 mL – 5L) and bioreactors (3L – 250L).
Analyze experiment data, make a conclusion, and present them within and outside the team.
Record all data accurately in physical and/or electronic lab notebook in a timely manner and maintain data integrity.
Assist in data analysis and write/review/edit reports.
Assist in the maintenance of department records and material inventories.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervise and mentor scientists and/or associates, provide study plans and training as needed, and ensure following company policies.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience in cell culture media development, insect cell culture and baculovirus expression system is plus.
Excellent aseptic techniques in cell culture.
Good understanding of bioreactors, capability to set up/execute bioreactor runs, and to resolve issues during runs with minimum supervision.
Ability to perform design of experiment and statistical analysis, to draw conclusions from experimental data, and to make appropriate recommendations.
Previous experience and understanding in analytical and molecular biology assays (such as TCID50, plaque assay, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, Rapid Titer, etc.).
Education, Experience, Licenses & Certifications
- 4-5 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experiences with Ph.D degree, 6-7 years with master’s degree or 8-9 years of with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.