The Role
Lead upstream bioprocess development for cultivated fish cell culture from bench scale through 50+ L. Design experiments, operate and scale bioreactors, optimize batch and fed-batch processes, develop scale-down models and monitoring methods, analyze data, and support technology transfer and commercialization. The role includes laboratory setup, vendor coordination, mentorship, partnership leadership, technical troubleshooting, documentation, and communication of process development results.
Summary Generated by Built In
In this role, you will be responsible for leading the process development of cultivated fish cell culture scale-up, from static and small-scale dynamic culture to 50+ L. This will require experimental design, wet-lab work, and data analysis for cell proliferation at increasing scale. Successful candidates will be expected to drive upstream process development activities, develop and clearly communicate requirements to inputs teams, and will bring expertise in operating scale-down bioreactors, developing optimized bioprocesses, and scaling process from bench to pilot.
Responsibilities
• Design and set up a bioreactor lab, including coordinating with vendors to qualify and procure bioreactors and supporting equipment
• Perform experimental screening of bioprocess approaches at bench-scale to establish optimal processes and operating modes in line with future commercialization targets
• Develop robust, iterative scale-down processes to maximize yield and process efficiency at benchtop (<10L) scale
• Mentor the Junior bioprocess scientist in process parameter optimization during scale up from shake flask to small scale reactors
• Define key process parameters for scale-up and develop analytical methods for continuous process monitoring and control
• Align with senior leadership to implement critical decisions
• Lead co-development partnerships to drive shared process development goals
• Conduct rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data analysis
• Provide concise and effective reporting on project deliverables and presentation of data
• Evaluate processes and assumptions for potential improvements to efficiency and manufacturability, providing creative solutions to challenging technical problems
Requirements
Experience
• M.S. or PhD in a relevant field (Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or equivalent
• 5+ years of industry experience (MS) or 3+ years of industry experience (PhD) in biotechnology, cell manufacturing or a relevant engineering field
• 2+ years of direct experience in lab to mid-scale (50-500L) animal cell culture in a process development environment
• Experience with batch and fed-batch cell culture is essential; intensified or continuous process experience is a plus
• Tech transfer experience is preferred
• Experience with scale-down model development, predictive modeling, and model validation is a plus
• Experience with high throughput bioreactor systems and automation is a plus
• Track record of successfully leading small teams is strongly preferred
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications is preferred
• Demonstrated scientific rigor toward continuous improvement
Desired technical skills
• Proficiency with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology for bioprocess development, including experiment design and data analysis
• Proficiency in engineering techniques, including quantitative modeling and mass balance
• Familiarity with mammalian metabolic pathways and proficiency in metabolic flux analysis is a plus
• Understanding of a range of analytical chemistry techniques necessary to support process development
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and skills to prioritize and deliver against timelines
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong command of the English language
Skills Required
- M.S. or PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or an equivalent relevant field
- 5+ years of industry experience with an M.S., or 3+ years with a PhD, in biotechnology, cell manufacturing, or a relevant engineering field
- 2+ years of direct laboratory-to-mid-scale animal cell culture experience at 50–500 L in a process development environment
- Experience with batch and fed-batch cell culture
- Proficiency with Design of Experiments methodology for bioprocess development, including experiment design and data analysis
- Proficiency in engineering techniques, including quantitative modeling and mass balance
- Understanding of analytical chemistry techniques supporting process development
- Tech transfer experience
- Experience with scale-down model development, predictive modeling, and model validation
- Experience with intensified or continuous processes
- Experience with high-throughput bioreactor systems and automation
- Track record of successfully leading small teams
- Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications
- Familiarity with mammalian metabolic pathways and metabolic flux analysis
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, prioritization, communication, and scientific rigor skills
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The Company
What We Do
Umami Bioworks is a marine biotechnology company developing cultivated seafood and other marine-derived biosolutions. Its AI-driven ALKEMYST platform combines genomics, stem cell biology, machine learning, and automation to enable scalable, traceable, cruelty-free production. The company licenses modular systems to manufacturing partners and supports applications in seafood, cosmetics, and nutrition, aiming to reduce overfishing and ecosystem strain while improving sustainable food and ingredient supply.
