Scientist I, Downstream Process Development (Viral Vectors) *PC 424

Your Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our Experimental Process Development group supporting the establishment of viral delivery platforms that enable next generation cell and gene therapies. In this entry level downstream development role, the incumbent will contribute to the development, optimization, and characterization of novel purification processes for lentiviral vectors (LVVs) to support research, process development, and GMP aligned manufacturing activities. Under close guidance, this Scientist will perform hands on downstream purification experiments, assist in evaluating critical process parameters, and support analytical sample preparation to help drive improvements in LVV yield, purity, potency, and consistency. The ideal candidate brings foundational experience in biologics purification, preferably with viral vectors, and demonstrates strong technical curiosity, problem solving ability, and enthusiasm for translating early-stage concepts into scalable, robust downstream processes. This role provides an excellent growth opportunity for individuals looking to build expertise in viral vector purification while working collaboratively with upstream development, analytical sciences, and manufacturing teams to advance innovative therapeutic platforms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize downstream purification workflows for LVV and LNP formulations, encompassing clarification, chromatography, filtration, and concentration/diafiltration steps.
• Evaluate new purification technologies and resins to enhance yield, purity, process robustness, and scalability. This includes conducting small-scale and bench-scale DOE-based experiments to deepen understanding of process parameters and critical quality attributes.
• Perform or be trained on essential analytical assays to support process development, such as qPCR/ddPCR, p24 ELISA, DLS/MALS, RiboGreen, HPLC/UPLC, and infectivity/titer assays.
• Author experimental protocols, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to cross-functional teams.
• Support tech transfer activities to the Process Development group and beyond, while maintaining meticulous laboratory documentation and adhering to safety and compliance standards.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering; Related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with purification of biologics such as viral vectors and LNPs, including chromatography (AEX, CEX, SEC, Affinity), TFF, and filtration.
• Practical understanding of viral vector biology along with relevant biochemical/biophysical analytical assays and tools.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Experience with lentiviral vectors, AAV, adenoviral and retroviral vectors.
• Familiarity with statistical design tools (e.g., JMP, Design Expert).
• Understanding of process development concepts for biologics transitioning toward GMP manufacturing.
• MS Office suite.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands or finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee is required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have ability to handle more than one task at a time and must work at a rapid pace while maintaining attention to detail.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job is performed in a temperature-controlled facility without exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Generally, this job is performed in a sanitized laboratory setting and routinely uses standard medical and research equipment such as centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, microscopes, incubators, pipettes and computers. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to blood, viruses (e.g., HIV-1), bacteria, body fluids and/or other tissues which may be infectious and have the potential to cause disease. Employees entering and leaving the laboratory must wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment such as scrubs, coveralls, masks, face shield, glasses and gloves. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The hiring range for this position is expected to fall between $109,417-$128,702/year, reflecting the range candidates can reasonably expect to be considered for at time of offer, based on factors such as experience, internal equity, and qualifications.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of considerations, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialization, skills, abilities, and training. The above range represents the Company's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting.

In addition to your salary, the Company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Certain positions may also be eligible for additional compensation such as bonuses or commissions.

Miltenyi Biotec is an EO Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Miltenyi Biotec, Inc. participates in E-Verify.

Are you ready to start revolutionizing biomedical research? When you join Miltenyi Biotec, you join a family that is passionate about making a real impact - one breakthrough at a time. For over 30 years, we have played a pivotal role in the design, development, manufacture, and integration of products for sample preparation, cell separation, cell analysis, imaging, and cell culture needs. These developments have led to cutting-edge cell and gene therapies - transformative methods that mobilize the body's own cells and genetic blueprint to tackle diseases such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Today, our more than 18,000 solutions play a vital role in paving the way for the medicine of tomorrow.