Axle · 2 days ago
Sr. Scientist
Rockville, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$130K/yr - $150K/yr
8+ years expAxle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications. They are seeking a Sr. Scientist to provide services in support of the Vaccine Research Center, focusing on upstream process development and tech transfer for vaccine and antibody clinical candidates.
BiotechnologyHealth CareInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Conduct upstream process development and tech transfer of production processes toward clinical manufacturing of VRC vaccine and antibody clinical candidates within the Cell Culture Development group at the VPP
Provide subject matter expertise to lead scientists and/or associates to develop upstream process methods that meet the productivity and product quality characteristics to achieve successful production of clinical material. Including:
Designing optimization studies (e.g. DOE with JMP) o Use of high-throughput automated AMBR15 and AMBR250 bioreactors
Use of fed-batch bench scale bioreactors and scalable Single-Use-Bioreactors SUBs at 50 L (supporting 250 L, 1000 L, and 2000 L manufacturing vessels)
Develop pDNA production platform using microbial cell cultures in both shake flask and controller-programmed stirred-tank bioreactor formats
Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure upstream development milestones are appropriately set and met on time
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding cell culture strategies (media/feed evaluation, control parameter tuning, etc.) for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates (both mammalian and microbial cultures)
Responsible for process evaluation/finalization and oversight of process-locked scale up runs to generate material for toxicology studies. Including, editing/approving/execution of process protocols and production reports
Coordinate closely with Manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved, by pursuing of the following:
Write/edit/review tech transfer documents (Process Descriptions/Process Flow Diagrams)
Serve as Person in Plant or assign designee for initial VCMP production runs
Serve as SME in VCMP upstream troubleshooting and facility fit evaluations
Serve as the VRC upstream SME in external collaborations
Generate necessary regulatory docs to enable IND submissions, FDA response, etc
Optimize lab operational space, in collaboration with Process Team Operations Manager and VPP Scientific Operations group, to implement and sustain an optimal productive lab environment (e.g. 5S organizational efforts, KANBAN, or other structural initiatives)
Encourage and drive innovation to meet new upstream challenges and seeks to publicly distribute novel technologies through presentations at national conferences and/or publication in peer-reviewed journals
Qualification
Required
PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience microbiology and/or cell culture research and development
Demonstrated knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records
Must be a team player who can effectively work with members from cross-functional departments
Strong oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with computer software including word processing and data evaluation
All support positions required a minimum of a BS degree; some require a MS, MD, or Ph.D
The education, skills and relevant years of experience required for each support position are consistent with those identified as the minimum requirements for the labor categories specified in the contract
Benefits
100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
Employee Referral Bonus
401K Match
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Flexible Spending Accounts:
Healthcare (FSA)
Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)
Company
Axle
At Axle, we are driven by the mission to accelerate discovery and enhance organizational outcomes by revolutionizing operations with our innovative solutions.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Axle 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 (37)
2024 (40)
2023 (61)
2022 (30)
2021 (19)
2020 (38)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Gary Mays
Chief Operating Officer
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