Sr. Process Development Associate

Date: Sep 2, 2023

Location: San Diego

Company: Wacker BioTech US Inc.

Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.

To strengthen our team in San Diego,

we are looking for you as a(n) Sr. Process Development Associate - mRNA.

The Senior mRNA PD Associate will be responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing bench-scale experiments to characterize and optimize processes involving linearization of pDNA, production of bulk mRNA through in vitro transcription (IVT), purification of bulk mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation.

The Senior PD Associate will develop, characterize, and scale processes for transfer to the manufacturing department and is expected to provide technical support for manufacturing operations as needed.

They will work with scientists, engineers, operators, and other associated groups to optimize, implement, and tech transfer new processes and to troubleshoot any process-related problems. In addition, this person will participate in team meetings to advance projects and propose improvements/investments that lead to higher quality or efficiency of the organization.

Job Responsibilities

1. Develop, optimize, and implement mRNA manufacturing processes (including pDNA linearization, IVT & capping, LNP formulation)

2. Design and execute technical studies and write reports, and present study plans and results

3. Create and revise SOPs as well as performing periodic revisions to ensure the procedures are up to date to current standards

4. Work with R&D, MFG, and QC groups to facilitate technology transfers

5. Operate and maintain general lab equipment such as glass washers, autoclaves, scales, spectrophotometers, electrophoresis systems

Job Qualifications

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, chemistry, or related life science discipline
Minimum 3 years of experience in related field
End-to-end mastery of mRNA production processes, including pDNA linearization, IVT & capping, LNP formulation and intermediate purification/concentration steps
Proven track record of contributions to mRNA process development and optimization
Knowledge of general laboratory techniques such as spectrometry, pH and conductivity, electrophoresis, etc.
Expertise in documenting work in laboratory notebooks, presentations, and written reports
Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities, and team spirit
Experience with operating TFF and FPLC equipment, or microfluidic instruments
Basic knowledge of (in-process) analytical assays for mRNA yield and quality
Basic understanding of molecular biology and enzymatic reactions

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego is $100,000 to $130,000. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc . Wacker is a multi state employer and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

What do we offer?

WACKER is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. We are innovators, researchers, and pioneers and we believe that our individual differences are our collective strength. We foster an inclusive environment that promotes individuality, celebrates diversity, and builds cohesive teams. Together, we create exceptional value for our employees, our customers, and our communities by creating a culture of inclusion and equity that enables, empowers, and values our diverse contributions.

WACKER strives to reward its employees in a fair and equitable manner. Our Total Rewards Package considers employee wellbeing and is comprised of compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance & recognition, and career development.

Compensation and Incentive plans
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
Paid parental leave
Wellbeing fund
Flexible hybrid work arrangements
401(k) with company match
Education Assistance Program
Career development and advancement opportunities
Support for Community Involvement

We are looking forward to your online application at www.wacker.com.
Reference Code: 25198

#LI-CE1

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.

A minimum requirement for this US-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent unrestricted basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, including for any type of US permanent residency (e.g., for a green card).

WACKER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.