Senior Scientist - Analytical Development

Syenex•Evanston, IL

About The Position

Syenex is seeking a Senior Scientist, Analytical Development to lead development, optimization, and implementation of analytical methods for its lentiviral vector platforms. The role builds and expands analytical capabilities supporting vector characterization, process development, and research programs. It involves close collaboration with R&D and Process Development teams to create robust, reproducible assays, interpret complex data, and advance the company’s technologies. This hands-on position offers scientific ownership and the opportunity to shape analytical development strategy as the company grows. The Senior Scientist conducts and interprets experiments, contributes to analytical strategies, evaluates emerging technologies, authors technical documentation, and transfers methods to internal and external stakeholders. The role also includes mentoring junior scientists and research associates, performing laboratory work with biological materials and mammalian cell lines, and presenting results to project teams, R&D, and leadership. As Syenex grows, there may be an opportunity to hire and manage an analytical development team.

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, or a related discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or BS/MS with 9+ years of relevant experience.
Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting analytical methods in a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical environment, preferably supporting cell and gene therapy, biologics, or vaccines.
Proficiency with qPCR/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blot, and other protein characterization methods.
Experience authoring protocols, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical challenges, improve laboratory workflows, and drive scientific excellence.
Proven success leading or mentoring scientists and coordinating cross-functional activities to achieve project and business objectives.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly present complex technical concepts and influence outcomes across teams.
Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lentiviral vector technologies and/or viral vector characterization, including vector genome quantification, cell-based infectivity assays, and characterization.
Experience in method or technology transfer.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, optimization, and implementation of analytical methods for Syenex’s lentiviral vector platforms, using techniques such as q/ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and cell-based assays.
Independently design, execute, analyze, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments, using results to guide next steps and data-driven decisions.
Contribute to analytical strategies and scientific understanding of lentiviral vector products and manufacturing processes.
Evaluate and implement emerging analytical technologies and approaches where appropriate.
Partner with Process Development, R&D, and other cross-functional teams to support process optimization, vector characterization, and technology development.
Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), method development reports, and related technical documents.
Transfer analytical methods to internal and external stakeholders as necessary.
Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic laboratory notebooks and associated data management systems.
Provide scientific leadership and mentor junior scientists and research associates; potentially hire and manage an analytical development team as the company grows.
Perform hands-on laboratory work with biological materials, mammalian cell lines, and reagents while maintaining appropriate biosafety practices and laboratory standards.
Present scientific results to project teams, the broader R&D organization, and company leadership.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous environment, demonstrating flexibility and ownership across multiple projects in a fast-paced startup.