Senior Associate Scientist

About The Job

We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically rigorous individual to join the Plasmid Production Pilot team. You will focus on execution and scale-up of a robust pDNA production process focusing on bacterial cell lysis, supercoiled plasmid DNA linearization, and purification for preclinical linearized plasmid DNA production, with the ultimate goal of transferring at scale methods to either the internal or external manufacturing team for mRNA drug substance with applications towards vaccine development. Join the team protecting half a billion lives every year with next-gen science, mRNA innovation, and AI-driven breakthroughs. In Vaccines, you'll help advance prevention on a global scale - and shape the future of immunization.

Main Responsibilities

• Evaluate, and implement purification technology and optimize existing techniques and workflows.
• Support the execution and optimization of plasmid DNA purification, problem solving.
• Design and execute decision-quality research; prepare/draft SOPs, technical reports, batch record, and presentations to management and other stakeholders.
• Work independently, pro-actively, and be an impactful contributor to project teams.
• Function in highly collaborative cross functional teams.
• Execute ~20 batches per year.
• This will be primarily a lab-based position.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's OR Master's degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific field
• Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree holders: Minimum 3+ years of relevant industry experience in pharma, biotech, or laboratory settings
  • Master's degree holders: Minimum 1+ year of relevant industry experience in pharma, biotech, or laboratory settings
  • Hands-on experience with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) operations
  • Wet lab experience, particularly with fermentation or purification processes (plasmid DNA, protein, or similar)

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in small- and large-scale plasmid DNA extraction and purification methodologies including alkali lysis, chromatography separation (anion exchange, hydrophobic interaction) and buffer exchange methods
• Familiar with Cytiva AKTA Pilot and Repligen TFF system (K2Ri and KMPi)
• Familiar with Sartorius PATfix system
• Prepare buffers for purification process
• Familiar with equipment setup, process troubleshooting and maintenance and experience in GLP environment is advantageous
• Works collaboratively within group for improved operational excellence as well as within interdisciplinary teams
• Desire to work in a team-first, fast-paced environment, learn new technologies and skills, and to efficiently solve problems
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Attention to detail & meticulous record keeping
• Demonstrate continuous growth in depth and breadth of personal scientific knowledge and understanding of strategic goals of group, team, and company

Why Choose Us

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it's through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks' gender-neutral parental leave.
• Work at the forefront of AI-driven research, smart manufacturing, and groundbreaking mRNA platforms that are redefining the future of immunology.
• Help protect half a billion people every year, contributing to one of the largest global vaccination efforts in healthcare.
• Develop your career with access to mentoring, international mobility programs, and opportunities to grow across four continents.