Research Associate, Process Development Upstream

Avid Bioservices•Tustin, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Avid Bioservices is seeking a passionate Research Associate for their Process Development - Upstream team. This role focuses on developing and optimizing scalable cell culture processes for biopharmaceuticals, with a key responsibility in transferring these processes to the Avid Manufacturing department. The position also involves maintaining production equipment and researching new technologies to improve process operations. The ideal candidate will have experience with mammalian cell culture, media preparation, bioreactor operation, and data analysis, contributing to the company's mission of creating life-saving biopharmaceuticals.

Requirements

B.S. degree in a Biological Science
Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant industry experience
Demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles
Exceptional multitasking skills
Unparalleled attention to detail
Strong relationship-building capabilities with team members, clients, vendors, and suppliers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, HEK cell lines
Experience with recombinant protein production
Experience with cell adaptation to suspension or serum-free conditions
Experience with media/feed screening
Experience growing and maintaining cells in shake flasks, wave and stirred tank bioreactors
Experience with seed train development
Experience with production bioreactor inoculation, maintenance, sampling, and feeding
Experience with cell culture harvest/clarification
Experience preparing cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch
Experience operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining cell culture equipment such as bioreactors and analyzers
Experience with scale up and tech transfer of cell culture and harvest processes
Experience analyzing growth, production, and nutrient usage data
Experience creating data spreadsheets and graphs in Excel or JMP
Experience documenting data and findings for traceability and regulatory requirements
Experience writing technical and summary reports
Experience generating slide decks
Experience communicating findings and participating in scientific discussions
Ability to work with minimal supervision on projects of routine or low to moderate complexity
Ability to research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance operations

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize scalable cell culture processes for recombinant protein production.
Adapt cells to suspension or serum-free conditions.
Screen media and feed formulations for optimal growth and productivity.
Maintain cell cultures in shake flasks, wave, and stirred tank bioreactors.
Perform seed train development and production bioreactor inoculation, maintenance, sampling, and feeding.
Conduct cell culture harvest and clarification.
Utilize aseptic techniques with various mammalian cell lines (CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, HEK, etc.).
Understand the impact of metabolic pathways, physical parameters, and mechanical parameters on cell growth and protein production.
Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment (bioreactors, analyzers).
Scale up and tech transfer cell culture and harvest processes to Manufacturing.
Analyze growth, production, and nutrient usage data.
Create data spreadsheets and graphs in Excel or JMP.
Document data and findings for traceability and regulatory requirements.
Write technical and summary reports.
Generate slide decks and communicate findings to the group and clients.
Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine or low to moderate complexity.
Research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.