Umoja Biopharma · 2 months ago
Scientist, Downstream Process Sciences
Louisville, Colorado, United States
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry, Mid, Senior Level
$124K/yr - $154K/yr
0+ years expUmoja Biopharma is a game-changing biotech start-up focused on transforming cancer treatment with a novel integrated immunotherapy platform. The Scientist in Downstream Process Sciences will provide scientific technical leadership for the purification of lentiviral vectors, focusing on process development, characterization, and optimization while collaborating with various teams to support clinical programs.
BiopharmaBiotechnology
Responsibilities
Perform experimental design, execution, data analysis and communication of results for developing optimized and novel purification operations including nuclease treatment, chromatography, TFF, and normal flow sterilizing filtration for lentiviral vector drug substances and products
Collaborate on downstream lab routine operations including adherence to lab safety practices, experiment scheduling, equipment and experiment troubleshooting, solution preparation and detailed documentation in electronic lab notebooks
Execute purifications in the lab to support clinical program needs as well as optimization studies, which may include routine purifications to support upstream, drug product, or cross-functional groups. This will utilize small pilot scale equipment (AKTA Avant/Pilot/Ready, Repligen Kr2i, Sartorius Vivaflows and Ambr Crossflow, PendoTech NFF, etc) as well as some in-process analytics (pH, conductivity, particle concentration (ie nanoparticle tracking))
Utilize knowledge of purification fundamentals to not only optimize downstream unit operations, but also inform a process characterization and control strategy for commercial readiness
Collaborate closely with the process sciences team (upstream, downstream, drug product, optimization), analytical development (AD), Vector Biology (VB) teams, including mentoring junior employees or contractors and aiding cross-functional experimental design
Proactively communicate downstream study progress and risks/mitigations to senior internal and external leaders. Present data, strategies and risks to diverse audiences
When needed, serve as downstream subject matter expert on Process/CMC team(s) and support multiple program deliverables
Identify opportunities for process and laboratory execution improvements
Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature, maintain and update knowledge of current and new purification techniques and instrumentation
Qualification
Required
PhD/MS/BS in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology or related field with 0-2/7/10 years of relevant experience, respectively. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Extensive expertise in operating lab-scale chromatography systems, TFF systems, and other auxiliary equipment such as balances, pumps, and pH/conductivity meters
Extensive experience with experimental design, planning, execution, and basic data analysis
Strong team communication and collaboration skills, along with self-motivation to contribute to the development of novel cancer immunotherapies
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional and dynamic environment
Perform physical tasks required for the role, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, sitting, working your hands in a biosafety cabinet, and occasionally moving materials up to 50 pounds
Preferred
Experience with ÄKTATM Chromatography systems and UNICORNTM software
Experience with TFF and other filtration equipment including the KrosFlo® KR2iTM and Ambr® Crossflow systems and PendoTech NFF
Experience utilizing statistical design of experiment (DOE) to most efficiently execute multi-parameter optimization and design space mapping
Experience in clinical phase process development, tech transfer to a manufacturing scale and working in GxP environments
Familiarity with Quality-by-Design principles (QbD), small scale model qualification and process characterization for a process control strategy
Working knowledge of analytical methods (e.g., nanoparticle tracking (Videodrop), flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA, HPLC)
Familiarity with upstream process operations including depth filtration, centrifugation, shake flasks and bioreactors, as well as drug substance and drug product process operations (container closure selection, fill/finish operations)
Experience working with electronic lab notebooks
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
401k plan through Fidelity, with a 100% match up to their first 4% deferral
Generous Paid Time Off policy
Employee commuter benefits
Cell phone stipend
Company
Umoja Biopharma
Umoja Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation immunotherapies intended to combat cancer.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Umoja Biopharma has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2022 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$363MKey Investors
DCVC Bio
2025-01-14Series C· $100M
2021-06-15Series B· $210M
2020-11-18Series A· $53M
Leadership Team
Ryan Crisman
Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
BioWorld Financial Watch
2025-12-29
Company data provided by crunchbase