Bench Scientist - Upstream Bioprocessing

Position - Bench Scientist – Upstream Bioprocessing

Location – Andover, MA

Contract – 12 Months with a possibility of extension

Job Summar

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) team. This position will support fermentation process development, process optimization, troubleshooting, and technology transfer activities for biopharmaceutical products. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to execute laboratory studies, operate bioreactors, analyze data, and support process improvements in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support upstream process development, optimization, and troubleshooting activities for microbial fermentation processes.
• Set up, operate, and monitor laboratory-scale bioreactors and associated analytical equipment.
• Design and execute experiments, collect data, and document results accurately.
• Perform routine laboratory studies and basic analytical testing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform user-level maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety regulations, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and project teams to achieve departmental goals.
• Maintain laboratory areas in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical summaries and reports.
• Support scale-up activities and process improvements as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant bioprocessing or laboratory experience.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques (required).
• Knowledge of upstream bioprocessing and fermentation principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Hands-on experience operating bioreactors and associated analytical systems.
• Experience with microbial fermentation and scale-up processes.
• Familiarity with process control and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of cell culture and fermentation technologies.
• Experience in troubleshooting laboratory equipment, including mechanical and electrical systems.
• Understanding of industrial-scale fermentation operations and optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to review and apply scientific literature to laboratory work.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform laboratory activities for extended periods.
• Ability to assemble and operate bioprocess equipment and bioreactors.
• Strong mathematical and data analysis capabilities.

Work Environment:

• On-site laboratory position.
• Requires occasional off-hours work to support fermentation and laboratory operations (approximately twice per week).

Preferred Skills:

• Fermentation Process Development
• Upstream Bioprocessing
• Bioreactor Operations
• Aseptic Techniques
• Data Analysis
• Process Troubleshooting
• Biotechnology
• Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Scientific Documentation
• Laboratory Operations