Research Associate - Process Development

About the role

We are immediately hiring a highly motivated Research Associate - Process Development to support the development and optimization of innovative manufacturing processes for advanced cell and gene therapies (CGT), including CAR-T, iPSC, AAV, LVV, and synthetic DNA products. This hands-on, lab-based role requires working on-site at Landmark Bio/Artis BioSolutions in Watertown, MA, with a flexible schedule based on experimental needs.

You will collaborate closely with Process Development, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to advance programs from development through technology transfer and GMP manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture activities including aseptic technique, media and buffer preparation, culture initiation, propagation, expansion, and cryopreservation.
• Culture and process a variety of cell types, including iPSC, MSC, and primary human cells.
• Support the operation, monitoring, and optimization of bioreactor systems and associated upstream processes.
• Perform cell transfection, transduction, and other genetic modification techniques using relevant viral and non-viral systems.
• Execute experiments to evaluate and optimize culture conditions, process parameters, yields, and overall process performance.
• Prepare and execute laboratory protocols, collect samples, analyze experimental results, and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Support process scale-up, engineering runs, and transfer of developed processes into GMP manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate and reliable records including electronic laboratory notebooks, batch records, databases, protocols, and other technical documentation.
• Draft and/or contribute to SOPs, protocols, batch records, technical reports, and process development documentation.
• Perform routine laboratory activities including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and maintaining laboratory readiness.
• Follow all environmental health and safety, infection control, quality, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1-2+ years of relevant laboratory, biotechnology, or process development experience. Equivalent advanced-degree academic research experience may also be considered.
• Strong understanding of mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, cell expansion, cryopreservation, transfection, transduction, or related process development techniques.
• Willingness to work with viral vector systems, including lentiviral and AAV vectors, as well as biological samples.
• Experience with bioreactors and/or other cell-based process development technologies is preferred.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to interpret experimental data and contribute to process improvements.
• Highly motivated team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.