Pivotal Future

Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

San Diego, California · Principal · Full-time

Work authorization required$120k-$198kDetected 43 days ago

ResearchMass SpectrometryProtein AnalysisWestern BlottingLeadershipCommunicationMentoringOrganizational Skills

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific leader to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences.
Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
Able to work onsite in the San Diego lab.

Design, develop, optimize, and scale bacterial culture, recombinant protein purification, and downstream processes for internal research programs and external manufacturing activities.
Develop robust purification strategies using multiple chromatography modalities, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, and mixed-mode chromatography.
Manage and oversee CDMO activities, including technology transfer, process troubleshooting, timelines, deliverables, and communication with external partners.
Partner cross-functionally with research, analytical, quality, and leadership teams to translate research priorities into executable process development plans.
Establish clear documentation, protocols, experimental plans, and data packages that support research decisions, process understanding, and external partner execution.
This role will provide deep technical expertise in bacterial recombinant protein production programs that support research and development.
The successful candidate will drive process development, scale-up strategy, and external manufacturing oversight in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.

6-10+ years of progressive experience in bacterial recombinant protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
Hands-on expertise with recombinant protein purification using FPLC and chromatography approaches such as affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size exclusion, or mixed-mode chromatography.
Strong working knowledge of recombinant protein analytical characterization using techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and other biochemical or biophysical assays.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading projects and mentoring or managing scientists.
Experience developing and executing normal-flow filtration, tangential-flow filtration, and UF/DF processes.
Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Experience with downstream purification and polishing of AAV, lentiviral, or exosomal (EV) vectors.
Routine use of electronic laboratory notebooks, such as Benchling, with a strong commitment to data integrity.
Direct experience managing or collaborating with CDMOs for process development or manufacturing.
Experience with bioreactor operations, scale-up, and technology transfer.
Protein characterization experience using HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS.
Familiarity with regulatory expectations related to bioprocessing and manufacturing.
Background in protein engineering, recombinant protein production, or research-stage process development.

Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
We offer an exceptional benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.

We are an innovative, stealth-mode biotech focused on developing best-in-class delivery for in vivo gene editing.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This listing is sourced directly from Pivotal Future's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.