Description

Tosoh Bioscience LLC is a major supplier of chromatography products to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries. Our product line includes:TSKgel, TOYOPEARL, and Ca Pure-HA bulk media, TSKgel U/HPLC columns, process development products, dedicated systems for GPC analysis, and the LenS3 MALS detector. We have optimal solutions for biological research, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, agriculture, manufacturing, or other industrial applications.

Summary

The Applications Scientist will be responsible for bench-scale cell culture laboratory activities in recombinant protein production. This person will design and develop methods for upstream production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their variants. The typical mammalian cell lines in the work are Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO), HEK, and insect cells. The person in this position must understand bioreactor control systems, be familiar with autoclavable and single-use growth vessels, and experienced in in-process analytical testing methods. The upstream production laboratory will provide various feedstock material for internal downstream purification and analytical purposes.

This person performs the job largely independently and communicates in a positive and cooperative manner with the Applications Team members. The Applications Development Manager will provide direct management and supervision. This Application Scientist position has no supervisory responsibilities although occasional mentoring of technicians and interns is expected.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• The Applications Scientist - Upstream Bioprocess will design and develop methods for upstream production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their variants as well as other biotherapeutic biomolecules using CHO, HEK, and insect cells in shaker flasks and in multiple scale bench-top autoclavable and single use vessels. In the future, this role may include production of AAV viral vectors for downstream processes. In addition, occasional use of microbial cell lines (primarily E. coli) for plasmid production is also expected.
• The person in this role will be operating BioFlo 320 Bioprocess Control Systems to run process development projects for upstream manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals intended for internal downstream processing purposes to test Tosoh purification resins, instrumentation, and analytical columns.
• The bioprocessing scientist will be expected to independently operate bioreactors, including proactive planning and successful execution of complex experimental protocols for upstream process development, characterization, and technology assessment.
• Day-to-day lab work will include routine mammalian cell culture maintenance, biobanking, cell proliferation, bioreactor set-up and operation, sampling, and in-process analytical testing (cell count, viability, gases, metabolites, titer, etc.).
• The scientist will work both independently and as part of a team to accomplish project goals within specified timelines.
• Provide deliverables internally according to deadlines and keep Applications Development Manager updated regarding progress.
• Lead the applications development efforts and provide findings, recommendations, and feedback to R&D team.
• Remain current on industry trends and innovations related to upstream production, instrumentation, and process control systems.
• Adhere to applications project plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Strictly adhere to laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Uphold and adhere to the Tosoh culture and guiding principles.

Generate and Present Technical Documentation

• Support Product Management, Marketing/Communications and Sales teams by generating application notes, technical reports, white papers, and peer-reviewed scientific articles with other Applications Team members.
• Support marketing and sales by participating in bioprocessing conferences, trade shows, seminars, and other technical symposia.
• Conduct literature searches and plan further experiments to support Tosoh products.

Education

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Bioprocessing, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Basic understanding in chromatography resins and downstream protein purification methods is a strong plus.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture (e.g., CHO, HEK, insect cells) in cell culture bioreactors and other cell culture related equipment. Experience in cell mass removal by filtering and other supernatant clarification systems.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with in-process testing such as cell counters and instruments for metabolite analysis.
• Candidates should have a deep understanding of media components and bioreactor parameters for production processes.
• Ability to perform method development, data interpretation and basic statistical analyses. This position also necessitates technical writing skills to prepare reports for internal and collaborative sample analyses.
• Ability to carry out basic maintenance and troubleshooting of bioreactors and accompanying in-process analytical instruments.
• Demonstrated experience performing project-based laboratory tasks including the ability to multi-task and run projects in parallel.
• Must have excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to interact with colleagues at all levels.
• Must be flexible and willing to occasionally (~10%) travel, primarily domestically.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this job are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Tosoh Bioscience LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disabled/Veterans

Qualifications