What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist – Bioprocess Development position at Ecolab Inc.?
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Scientist to lead downstream process development efforts focused on the chromatographic purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This role is central to our mission of enabling large and small biopharmaceutical companies to bring transformative therapies to patients faster and more efficiently.
As a scientific leader, you will guide a small team in designing and executing purification strategies that support late-stage development and manufacturing readiness. You’ll work closely with external biopharma clients, helping them advance their molecules toward commercialization—ultimately impacting patient lives around the world.
What You’ll Do
Design, execute, and analyze chromatography-based purification processes (Protein A, ion exchange, HIC, etc.) for mAbs.
Develop scalable, robust purification processes tailored to client molecules and manufacturing goals.
Lead technology transfer activities to external manufacturing sites.
Author technical reports, protocols, and support regulatory documentation.
Collaborate directly with major biopharma clients to align on study design, timelines, and deliverables.
Deliver high-quality experimental results that support their development pipelines and regulatory submissions.
Serve as a trusted scientific partner, helping clients overcome technical challenges and accelerate their path to market.
Oversee day-to-day lab operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance.
Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications
M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 8 years of relevant industry experience, or Ph.D. with 5 years of experience in downstream process development for biologics.
Demonstrated expertise in preparative chromatography and antibody purification.
Proven ability to lead small scientific teams and manage lab operations.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience with AKTA systems, Unicorn software, and high-throughout screening platforms (e.g., Tecan Te-Chrom).
Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, UV spectroscopy.
Familiarity with tech transfer, cGMP/cGLP standards, and regulatory documentation.
Experience in client-facing or CDMO environments is a plus.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of statistical tools (e.g., JMP,) and data analysis software
Why This Role Matters
This is more than a lab-based leadership role—it’s an opportunity to directly influence the development of biologic therapies that improve and save lives. You’ll be working with some of the world’s leading biopharma companies, helping them refine and scale their purification processes to bring innovative treatments to patients in need.
Annual or Hourly Compensation Range
Benefits
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families.
If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.
In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).
We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.
Salary : $104,700 - $157,100
