Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing (Biotech)

TL;DR

Sr. Scientist, Lentivirus Upstream Processing (Biotech): Designing and optimizing upstream production processes for lentiviral vectors to support advanced cell therapy programs with an accent on mammalian cell culture, bioreactor scale-up, and transient transfection. Focus on ensuring robust, scalable, and phase-appropriate processes for GMP manufacturing while maintaining high-quality vector production.

Location: Must be based in Somerset, NJ (Onsite)

Salary: $127,313 - $167,099 USD

Company

hirify.global is a global biotechnology company dedicated to developing advanced cell therapies, including CAR-T and NK cell-based immunotherapies, to treat life-threatening diseases.

What you will do

• Design and execute experimental strategies for lentiviral vector upstream production.
• Optimize seed train expansion, suspension mammalian cell culture, and plasmid transient transfection.
• Develop and validate bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models to ensure process comparability.
• Translate bench-scale processes to GMP manufacturing and provide troubleshooting support during clinical production.
• Author technical documents, including development reports, SOPs, and regulatory submission sections.
• Collaborate with downstream and analytical development teams to ensure integrated process outcomes.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, or MS) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 5-8 years (PhD) or 8+ years (MS) of experience in process development or manufacturing within a biotech/pharma setting.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture (HEK293/HEK293T) and transient transfection optimization for viral vectors.
• Demonstrated proficiency in bioreactor scale-up and scale-down models.
• Solid understanding of GMP manufacturing requirements and CMC strategies.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience handling large-scale (>50L) upstream bioreactor processes.
• Proficiency in Mandarin.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match vesting on day one.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off policy including vacation, sick, and personal time.
• Access to well-being initiatives, family planning resources, and peer-to-peer recognition programs.