Fermentation Senior Scientist
Senior Scientist, Biologics - Fermentation (Upstream Process Development)
Role Overview
Senior Scientists are highly motivated individuals who serve as supervisors and/or project leads for one or more relevant projects while mentoring junior scientists or associates. Through significant contributions to operations and by helping define strategic growth directions, Senior Scientists are considered core members who meaningfully influence organizational performance and growth.
Key Requirements
- Bilingual (Mandarin Chinese)
- Ability to travel internationally to a biomanufacturing site
Core Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Scientific Execution
- Lead the planning, design, and execution of microbial fermentation experiments to support upstream process development and optimization
- Analyze experimental data and document results to support cross‑functional development goals
- Provide technical leadership and contribute to innovation initiatives across assigned project teams
- Maintain in‑depth knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art principles and technologies relevant to microbial fermentation and biologics upstream processing
Process Development & Operations
- Supervise the setup, operation, and routine maintenance of fermentation equipment
- Monitor fermentation processes to ensure consistency, performance, and reliability
- Troubleshoot equipment- and process-related issues
- Ensure and promote safe laboratory and environmental practices
Documentation & Communication
- Independently analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings at meetings
- Prepare scientific presentations and technical documentation
- Write and revise batch records and technical reports
- Maintain advanced scientific and technical writing standards
Collaboration, Innovation & Knowledge Sharing
- Collaborate with overseas colleagues on one or multiple projects
- Maintain group awareness of relevant scientific literature and emerging technologies
- Participate in and/or lead evaluations of new technologies, including assessment of applications and business impact
- Contribute to knowledge sharing through literature reviews, conference participation, and publications
Team Leadership & Management Support
- Provide technical coaching and matrix‑management support to junior staff
- Mentor, train, and motivate team members toward high performance
- Participate in management activities, including resource planning and project management
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- PhD, MS, or BS in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related field
Experience Requirements
- PhD with ≥5 years of experience
- Master's with ≥8 years of experience
- Bachelor's with ≥10 years of experience
Experience must be in upstream bioprocess development, scale‑up, and technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing environments within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biologics, or related industries.
Technical Expertise
- Extensive expertise in microbial fermentation process development, scale‑up, scale‑down, and technology transfer
- Strong experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) and complex data analysis
- Solid understanding of cGMP working environments
- Proficiency with:
- MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Statistical and DOE software (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Design‑Expert)
Professional Competencies
- Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills
- Proven ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems
- Demonstrated success working in fast‑paced environments with competing priorities
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Proactive mindset with willingness to learn new technologies and manage change
- Client‑focused, results‑oriented, and science‑ and innovation‑driven with good financial awareness
- High attention to detail with strong multitasking ability
- Flexible and results‑oriented work approach
Travel & Language Requirements
- Willingness to work overseas for 1-2‑month durations
- Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin Chinese required
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.