Scientist - Cell Line Development

Catalent is seeking a Scientist to support the creation, selection, and evaluation of high-producing mammalian cell lines using proprietary GPEx® technologies and transfection platforms. This role contributes to projects across multiple development stages, from initial vector insertion through clonal selection and research cell banking for client and internal programs.

About Catalent Madison

Catalent's Madison, Wisconsin facility is a state-of-the-art biologics development and manufacturing site supporting customers from research through early- and mid-stage clinical production. The 102,700-square-foot GMP facility specializes in mammalian cell line engineering, drug substance manufacturing, and biopharmaceutical process development. The site houses Catalent's proprietary GPEx® and GPEx® Lightning technologies, enabling the generation of high-producing mammalian cell lines for biologic therapies. With production capabilities ranging from 50L to 4,000L and a recent $45 million expansion, the Madison campus supports Wisconsin's growing life sciences industry.

Location: 100% onsite at 726 Heartland Trail, Madison, Wisconsin. Schedule: Monday–Friday, first shift.

Responsibilities

• Perform bench-scale cell culture work, including cell bank vial thaws, transfection, seed train scale-up, and cell line expansion within biosafety cabinets.
• Execute cell pool creation, fed-batch productivity testing, clonal selection, and research cell bank creation stored in liquid nitrogen.
• Conduct stability testing post-Master Cell Bank (MCB) creation and coordinate hand-offs with Upstream Process Development (US PD) for bioreactor evaluation.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software (DoE) and maintain detailed Batch Production Records (BPRs) and laboratory documentation in accordance with SOPs.
• Author and review technical documents, including study protocols, batch records, test reports, and standard operating procedures.
• Serve as a technical resource for internal teams and external clients by communicating project progress, utilizing standard templates to present data, and supporting technical project execution.
• Support essential laboratory operations, equipment maintenance and cleaning, lab stocking, and 5S organization.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience, Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, or PhD with 0–2 years relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic techniques, biosafety cabinet operations, and routine cell culture maintenance.
• Ability to independently execute, analyze, and document complex laboratory experiments in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong technical writing skills and understanding of documentation practices, data integrity requirements, and protocol/report authoring.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret biological data, identify process improvements, and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard lab data systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with transfections, cell bank creation, or cell line development workflows.
• Experience transitioning from upstream manufacturing or biomanufacturing roles into cell line development.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis tools, including Design of Experiments (DoE) and JMP.
• Familiarity with high-throughput platforms (such as Beacon or Ambr systems) or bench-scale bioreactors.
• Previous client-facing communication or technical presentation experience.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including incentive opportunity.
• Day-one medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule (152 hours + 8 holidays).