Principal Scientist Bioprocess Engineer

Bayer•Chesterfield, MO

About The Position

You will drive Bioprocess Pilot Plant activities to support the optimization of biotechnological production routes for proteins and biologicals in all project phases. This role involves delivering targets under tight deadlines, identify opportunities for system or process improvements, operate large scale bioprocess equipment, and perform experiments. The primary responsibilities of this role, Principal Scientist Bioprocess Engineer, are to: Operate, monitor, and maintain fermentation equipment at laboratory and pilot scales up to 300 L; Work in various areas and mission teams throughout R&D and Production Supply enabling key pipeline projects and business objectives of early phase to late phase projects; Maintain organizational capabilities as needed while intensifying the relationships between Bioprocess Design, R&D, Product Supply or other cross divisional functions, bridging technology needs from process development through manufacture; Coordinate Pilot Plant activities with key stakeholders throughout R&D and Product Supply to enable key project and business objectives of Bayer pipeline projects as well as already launched products; Manage tech transfers from R&D to Product Supply and vice versa with special attention given to improvements in digitalization and data access; Conduct research and contributes to product and technical teams, technologies, publications, intellectual property, or trade secrets. Co-creating scientific and technical projects; Possess specialized knowledge in bioprocess technology. Independently identifies research and production opportunities in assigned areas; Conduct multiple complex scientific projects; Be accountable for cross-functional work in multiple platforms/process areas; Solve complex problems requiring original thinking and deductive reasoning and the application of scientific principles to the design and interpretation of scientific experiments; Uses specialized knowledge, the broad application of scientific principles and current literature to advance projects, experiments, and/or process improvements; Prioritize and coordinate work within mission teams and provides training to contingent workforce, coaches less experienced peers; maintaining detailed record keeping and required documentation; Be dedicated to safety and adherence to safety protocols and best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Strong biology/biotechnology/fundamental engineering acumen with the ability to independently design experiments and analyze data
Long term experience regarding Bioprocess development as well as strong background on industrial scale fermentations and downstream processing
In-depth knowledge microbiology, fermentation, and bioreactor operation
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and resolve fermentation-related issues
Willing to accept feedback and coaching and be equally committed to both personal development and development of peers focused on the best possible outcomes for the company as a whole
Strong entrepreneurial orientation, demonstrating a robust level of understanding of key partners’ needs and ownership to develop innovative solutions responding to the needs from R&D and Product Supply across all divisions
Strong desire to improve the status quo and inspire constant improvement with a strong focus on fermentation and protein production
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. with 6+ years of relevant experience
Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and maintain fermentation equipment at laboratory and pilot scales up to 300 L
Work in various areas and mission teams throughout R&D and Production Supply enabling key pipeline projects and business objectives of early phase to late phase projects
Maintain organizational capabilities as needed while intensifying the relationships between Bioprocess Design, R&D, Product Supply or other cross divisional functions, bridging technology needs from process development through manufacture
Coordinate Pilot Plant activities with key stakeholders throughout R&D and Product Supply to enable key project and business objectives of Bayer pipeline projects as well as already launched products
Manage tech transfers from R&D to Product Supply and vice versa with special attention given to improvements in digitalization and data access
Conduct research and contributes to product and technical teams, technologies, publications, intellectual property, or trade secrets. Co-creating scientific and technical projects
Possess specialized knowledge in bioprocess technology. Independently identifies research and production opportunities in assigned areas
Conduct multiple complex scientific projects
Be accountable for cross-functional work in multiple platforms/process areas
Solve complex problems requiring original thinking and deductive reasoning and the application of scientific principles to the design and interpretation of scientific experiments
Uses specialized knowledge, the broad application of scientific principles and current literature to advance projects, experiments, and/or process improvements
Prioritize and coordinate work within mission teams and provides training to contingent workforce, coaches less experienced peers; maintaining detailed record keeping and required documentation
Be dedicated to safety and adherence to safety protocols and best practices