Scientist II – Viral Vectors and Analytical Characterization

Scientist II  - Biologics Developability Screening and Automation
Worcester, MA
1yr initial contract
Hourly Pay Rate: $45-48/hr  (individual medical benefits available at a cost)
 
Orion Group has exciting opportunity for a motivated scientist to join our global pharmaceutical client’s Biologics CMC Developability team based in Worcester, MA!
The scientist will work with the Biologics CMC Developability team and will be an integral part of the Biologics CMC Drug Product Development organization. The Biologics CMC Developability team conducts high-throughput screening of physicochemical properties of discovery-stage biologic drug candidates to identify liabilities, helping in the selection of lead candidates for pipeline advancement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory-based high-throughput screening and analytical, biophysical, and biochemical characterization of biologic drug candidates. Perform experiments to screen physicochemical properties of biologic molecules (antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, and genetic medicine modalities) and identify liabilities that may impact drug development.
• Enable automation and high-throughput screening of discovery candidate molecules.
• Execute experimental protocols, collect results, and perform data analysis independently.
• Maintain excellent documentation of work including electronic lab notebook and protocols.
• Prepare and deliver concise scientific presentations of experimental results.
• Oversee maintenance of key laboratory equipment and routine laboratory operations.
• Build strong relationships with other team members and across groups.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and documentation compliance.

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry (or equivalent, e.g., Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences) with 3+ (BS) or 1+ years (MS), biopharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience in protein biochemical and biophysical characterization. Experience with diverse biologic formats desired.
• Detailed knowledge of protein structure, biophysical characterization, and formulation screening.
• Experience in protein biophysical and biochemical characterization techniques, including chromatography (size-exclusion, ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography), differential scanning calorimetry & fluorimetry, dynamic light scattering, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing, capillary electrophoresis, particle and viscosity measurements. Must be willing and able to learn new technologies as needed.
• Prior experience in high-throughput automation and mass spectrometry would be beneficial.
• Demonstrated track record of independent thinking, creativity, and scientific accomplishment.
• Highly responsible and self-motivated. Skills to plan and conduct experiments with high quality and timely deliverables. Able to perform data analysis using MS Excel & GraphPad.
• Team player with excellent collaboration and communication skills.

What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:

1. Experience with Chromatographic techniques ( size-exclusion, ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography).
2. Knowledge of protein structure, biophysical characterization.
3. Familiar with MS excel for data analysis.
4. Team player with excellent collaboration and presentation/communication skills.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.