Senior Scientist at US03 Lonza Walkersville Inc. in Walkersville, Maryland

Job Description:

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

Lonza Shady Grove, is actively seeking a Senior Scientist that with experience in development and optimization of cell culture processes, bioprocess engineering for the bio-manufacturing of cell therapy products at large scale. The successful candidate should have experience in cell culture scale up apart pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation, primary cell isolation techniques, in vitro culture of primary cells derived from human tissue, the culture of adherent and suspension cell lines, downstream and fill/finish processing. She/he should be able to assist both technical scientists and management in the design and execution of new or unique cell-based projects; be able to assist with tech transfer of processes to manufacturing; be able to train and mentor other technical scientists and manufacturing personnel in the development and / or execution of developed process plans; analyze processing data to monitor, optimize and determine limits of process performance.

Key responsibilities:

• Candidate should have experience in primary cell isolation techniques, in vitro culture of primary cells derived from human tissue, the culture of adherent and suspension cell lines, downstream and fill/finish processing.




• She/he should be able to lead technical scientists in the design and execution of new or unique cell-based projects; be able to train and mentor other technical personnel in the development and execution of developed process plans; analyze data to monitor, optimize and determine limits of process performance.




• The main focus for this position will be cell culture engineering based for cell therapy process development focusing on both autologous and allogeneic scale-up GMP processes




• Design and review of experiments of cell process optimization, Bioreactor scale up and cryopreservation, trouble shoot the problems.




• The applicant should be a motivated researcher with a positive attitude to work both individually and in collaborative settings, learn and implement new techniques in the lab through conception, design, execution, analysis and interpretation.




• Strong communication and organization skills are a must.




• Sr. Scientists is expected to manage projects and people.




• This candidate must be experienced in the development and optimization of cell culture processes for the production of cell therapy products.  




• Candidate must be proficient in developing immune assays, use of FACS and basic cell and molecular biology techniques




• Independently designs and executes experiments, including data analysis and communication.  Interprets results and proposes next steps. Strong communication and organization skills are a must.




• Maintains accurate and up to date records, including appropriate lab notebook recordings.  Capable of achieving deliverables in a timely fashion.




• Writing and revising technical documents including lab SOPs, test protocols and reports. Externally present results at scientific conferences and publish scientific papers in high quality peer-reviewed journals.

Key requirements:

• PhD in Life Sciences with focus on Biology or Bioengineering with a working knowledge related to manufacturing or process development experience in biotech industry or MS degree in Life Sciences field with a significant amount of experience related to manufacturing or process development experience in biotech industry.




• Experience with variety of cell culture systems and optimization of cell expansion and differentiation process.




• Experience or knowledge of analytical methods and in process controls commonly used in manufacturing processes such as cell count viability, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques




• Experience with development of bioreactor protocols and scale up studies for mammalian cells or stem cells is highly desirable




• Self-directed and self-motivated; demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member in a matrix environment; maintains a positive approach to setbacks and challenges; champions new ideas and initiatives; brings out and utilizes others' creativity to improve team performance




• Client oriented: establishes effective and responsive relationships with all clients; able to translate client projects into a feasible process design; known to ensure value is always delivered to the client




• Excellent computer software skills related to Microsoft office and data analysis; capable of keeping professional, accurate and timely records of all essential activities; able to manage multiple projects; excellent time management skills

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

Lonza is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.