Senior Bioprocess Scientist
Full Time
Norton, Virginia, United States (This job is on-site)
Job description
Scismic is supporting the growth of a Tech-Bioproducts company in Virginia.
Job Overview: Seeking a highly motivated Senior Bioprocess Scientist to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation and downstream processing projects. In this role, you will work closely with both internal teams and external clients to bring innovative bioprocesses from concept to commercialization.
This is a technical, hands-on position that also requires excellent customer-facing skills. As a service-oriented business, customer satisfaction and long-term relationship management are essential to our success. You will be responsible for leading customers projects, overseeing scientific and technical execution, and ensuring exceptional project outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage bioprocess development projects from planning through execution, including direct client engagement and communication.
- Design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments for process development, optimization, and scale-up using a wide range of microbial systems.
- Apply deep technical knowledge in microbial cultivation and downstream recovery (e.g., centrifugation, filtration, TFF, extraction, and drying) at bench, pilot, and demo scales.
- Analyze experimental data, compile results, and present findings through reports and presentations to both internal teams and clients.
- Serve as a technical resource for junior scientists and engineers, providing mentorship and guidance.
- Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to align project execution with production capabilities.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance workflow efficiency and scientific rigor.
- Stay informed on industry advancements, regulatory guidelines, and emerging technologies to inform strategic development initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- 3–5+ years of hands-on industry experience in bioprocess development, including both upstream and downstream operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in process scale-up using engineering principles.
- Experience drafting SOPs, technology transfer documentation, and participating in manufacturing science and technology efforts.
- Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and develop robust, scalable processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills and customer-focused mindset.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)
- Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis tools.
- Knowledge of microbial metabolic pathways and their influence on process performance.
- Experience in regulated environments (e.g., ISO22000, cGMP, APHIS, BSL-2).
- Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC, electrophoresis, protein/enzyme assays, and metabolite analysis.
- Previous mentoring or team leadership experience.
Who You Are
- You thrive in a startup environment and are comfortable working with minimal bureaucracy.
- You are proactive, adaptable, and motivated by solving real-world challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- You enjoy working closely with diverse teams and building long-term relationships with clients and partners.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Relocation assistance, if applicable
- Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), bonus program, and full health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Significant stock option opportunities, subject to Board approval
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