Senior Scientist Host creation and Up Stream Process Development

Senior Scientist Host creation and Up Stream Process Development

Location Ghent, Belgium

272BIO is a dynamic and specialist biotechnology company which focuses on developing novel biological therapies for veterinary disease areas. 272BIO is recruiting to add to its dynamic team a Senior Scientist Host Creation and Up Stream Process Development supporting the development of high-quality, specific and affordable biological veterinary medicines.

The HC and USP department within 272BIO (located in Ghent, Belgium) builds and implements cutting-edge molecular techniques for engineering recombinant bacteria and yeast (i.e. host creation) and other expression systems; including high throughput host screening, small-scale microbioreactor productions up, process optimization strategy setting for larger scale productions for pre-clinical use,  process validation strategies and ulterior upscaling and transfer strategy to external manufacturers.

About The Job

The Senior scientist Host creation (HC) and Upstream Process (USP) Development, will lead a team of upstream scientists and associates to develop, optimize and scale up microbial fermentation (recombinant therapeutic proteins) production and support for subsequent pre-clinical and/or commercial (GMP) manufacturing. This function is responsible for the scientific innovation, strategic planning and growth of HC & USP team. Moreover, the Senior scientist is responsible for innovation and explores and screens for alternative cost-effective recombinant expression systems.

Responsibilities

Establish full HC and USP capabilities and expertise in the team

Streamline and optimize creation of hosts for microbial expression with focus on optimizing expression titer (clone selection).  

• Set up strategy for HC and screening

• Ensure efficient screening strategies for Host selection

• Explore  and identify the freedom to operate with chosen expression system

Lead upstream team to develop, optimize and scale up microbial or alternative upstream processes and primary recovery for biologics production

Develop new or improve existing fermentation process by employing knowledge of bioreactor design or other related strategies using most commonly used equipment.

• Perform small scale (microtiter plate, tube and shake flask) studies screening

• Set up, operate and monitor fermentation processes ranging from 1 to >10 L and also operate associated lab equipment.

• Set microbiology control strategies for the department

• Develop strategies to improve the overall reliability and productivity of fermentation processes.

• Collaborate with R&D, QC and production teams for day-to-day operations and product needs.

• Independently selects techniques and procedures to solve problems within area of responsibility.

Oversee process scale-up, scale-down and late-phase process characterization/validation using QbD approach thus controlling the final GOG of the commercial production at large scale.

Manage process/technology transfer (to external manufacturer), and provide manufacturing support and troubleshooting

Support regulatory CMC upstream process document preparation

Initiate upstream innovation projects, new technology evaluation / implementation, as well as conference presentations and journal publications

Academic Qualifications

BS, MS or PhD degree in Biochemical Engineering or related fields

BS with a minimum of 15+ years, MS with 10+ years, and PhD with 5+ years of upstream process development, tech transfer and/or manufacturing experience

Technical expertise

Strong background in molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, protein production and/or fermentation, protein analysis and biochemistry.

Strong background in microbial fermentation (E. coli, Pichia pastoris) process development, optimization and scale-up/down; expertise in mammalian expression (HEK, CHO) is a plus.

Extensive experience in biologics (recombinant proteins, single domain antibodies) late-phase process characterization, tech transfer, manufacturing support and troubleshooting

Strong knowledge in PAT technologies, GMP / ICH guidelines and CMC experience

Programming skills and knowledge in bioinformatics and experience with fermentation processes are a plus

Experience with analytical techniques (High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SDS-PAGE, Western-blotting, MS. …) is a plus

General skills

Able to independently plan and execute experiments

Fluency in English language, knowledge of Dutch will be an asset

Openness, ability to communicate

Good organizational skills

Advanced cross-functional communication, written and presentation skills

Effective organizational and staff management skills

Proficient in statistical design of experiment and data analysis using JMP, Minitab, or Design Expert software.

Flexible and results oriented

272BIO offering

 This is a newly created role which offers lots of variety and responsibility for someone who would like to make an impact in this growing organization. It offers a wonderful opportunity for someone to really make an impact on the business and be a part of the company's strategy.

Being part of a highly dynamic and growing team opens opportunities for personal growth and development

Candidates are encouraged to take ownership, demonstrate leadership

A competitive salary package is offered

Interested?

Please send your full CV and motivation letter to infobv@272BIO.com

272BIO will process your data in accordance with the GDPR. 272BIO has a GDPR Policy which is available upon request. 272BIO will process your data within 30 days of your application. Candidates have a right to see any data held by 272BIO as it relates to the candidate within 7 days of request. Candidates have a right to be forgotten in accordance to the terms of the 272BIO GDPR Policy