Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Pivotal • San Diego, CA

3d • $120,000 - $198,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific leader to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences. This role will provide deep technical expertise in bacterial recombinant protein production programs that support research and development. The successful candidate will drive process development, scale-up strategy, and external manufacturing oversight in a fast-moving, collaborative environment. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 6-10+ years of progressive experience in bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and mentoring or managing scientists.
• Hands-on expertise with recombinant protein purification using FPLC and chromatography approaches such as affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, or mixed-mode chromatography.
• Experience developing and executing normal-flow filtration, tangential-flow filtration, and UF/DF processes.
• Strong working knowledge of recombinant protein analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and other biochemical or biophysical assays.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
• Able to work onsite in the San Diego lab.
• A direct candidate and not represented by a third-party staffing agency.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with downstream purification and polishing of AAV, lentiviral, or exosomal (EV) vectors.
• Routine use of electronic laboratory notebooks, such as Benchling, with a strong commitment to data integrity.
• Direct experience managing or collaborating with CDMOs for process development or manufacturing.
• Experience with bioreactor operations, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Protein characterization experience using HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations related to bioprocessing and manufacturing.
• Background in protein engineering, recombinant protein production, or research-stage process development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical expert for recombinant protein expression, downstream purification, and analytical characterization.
• Design, develop, optimize, and scale bacterial culture, recombinant protein purification, and downstream processes for internal research programs and external manufacturing activities.
• Develop robust purification strategies using multiple chromatography modalities, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, and mixed-mode chromatography.
• Manage and oversee CDMO activities, including technology transfer, process troubleshooting, timelines, deliverables, and communication with external partners.
• Partner cross-functionally with research, analytical, quality, and leadership teams to translate research priorities into executable process development plans.
• Establish clear documentation, protocols, experimental plans, and data packages that support research decisions, process understanding, and external partner execution.
• Prepare and present technical reports, development strategies, data-driven recommendations, and risk assessments to internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior