Scientist I, Upstream

If you find science, speed, and helping address serious infectious diseases exhilarating, you have come to the right place.

Individually, we’re skilled, driven, and confident risk-takers. Collectively we're collaborative and accomplished. We're SuperNovas! Together we use our unique experiences, cultures, and learnings to turn innovation into reality while maintaining the highest standards. We value balance, encourage growth, and recognize that you are our most important asset. Build your future with us while bringing innovative vaccines to the world. We have a place for you!

Novavax, Inc (Nasdaq:NVAX) is a biotechnology committed to helping address serious infectious diseases globally through the discovery, development and delivery of innovative vaccines to patients around the world. We have more than a decade of experience contending with some of the world’s most devastating diseases, and we are here to make a difference. Hard-won lessons and significant advances illustrate that our proven technology based on solid science tested by decades of research, has tremendous potential to make a substantial contribution to public health worldwide.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Upstream Process Development Scientist I to join our Upstream Process Development department in Gaithersburg, MD. This individual will play a key role in the recombinant protein production in insect cell/baculovirus expression system. Qualified individuals will play a leading role on upstream process development; maintain insect cell culture, BVI and recombinant protein production, and technical support of cGMP manufacturing for nanoparticles vaccines. The candidate would participate in the process development & improvement in small to large-scale (shake flasks and stirred-tank bioreactors up to 50L). In addition, the candidate will ensure scientifically sound design and scalable upstream processes are developed. The candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated, well organized, and very productive. This position will be located at our Gaithersburg, MD facility.

Essential Functions

• Perform cell culture and expansion of suspension insect cells in shaker flasks and bioreactors on a daily basis.

• Prepare insect cell culture media and feed solutions, and record all necessary information in a specified format.

• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of the various assays like Rapid Titer assay, plaque assay, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, flow cytometry, etc.

• Perform inoculation, feed, infection, sampling, and harvest processes in shaker flasks and bioreactors.

• Record all data accurately in physical or electronic lab notebook on time and maintain data integrity.

• Design experiments and execute process development studies to establish a thorough understanding of operating and performance parameters.

• Analyze experiment data, and present them within and outside the team.

• Assist supervisors in data analysis and write/review/edit reports.

• Assist in the maintenance of department records and material inventories.

• Organize the laboratories/inventories and keep track of lab supplies.

• Maintain laboratory equipment by communicating with responsible parties for PM, calibration and other services like installation, IQOQ, etc.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent aseptic techniques in cell culture.

• Good understanding of bioreactors, and capability to set up and execute bioreactor runs with minimum supervision.

• Experiences in Ambr system and flow cytometry analysis is a plus.

• Basic understanding in media and feed development is a plus.

• Experience in basic molecular biology assays such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, cell staining, etc.

• Analyze complex data to draw conclusions by critical thinking and to make appropriate recommendations to Manufacturing team.

• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills among cross functional teams.

• Ability to focus on small details, troubleshoot, identify root causes, and systematically resolve problems.

• Capability of applying scientific knowledge to drive innovations and develop improved processes.

• Proficient in Window based software to include Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Ability to adapt to changing software programs.

• Flexible in time management for frequent weekend, late night and early morning work.

Education, Experience, Licenses & Certifications

• A minimum of 1 year of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experiences with Ph.D. degree, minimum of 3 years experience with master’s degree or 5 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field

Novavax offers a base salary, annual bonus, equity grants, professional career development/growth opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Rx, STD, LTD, Life, Optional Life, 401(k) plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Novavax is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment and advancement opportunities are available to all individuals on an at-will basis, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, protective hairstyle, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.