Current Positions
Role Title: Scientist Downstream Purification
Contact and submit your resume to: info@cystinebioscience.com
Location: Gaithersburg/Bethesda, Maryland.
401K, medical, dental, vision and other benefits along with PTO.
Salary Range : $135K - $150K
Position Overview:
Scientist will lead the development, optimization, and technology transfer of downstream purification processes supporting the discovery, preclinical, and clinical development of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant proteins, virus-like particles (VLPs), and other biologic therapeutics. This role supports programs at NIH by developing robust, scalable, and GMP-compliant purification processes for clinical candidate manufacturing. The Scientist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance clinical programs, provide technical leadership in downstream process development and manufacturing support, and contribute to scientific innovation through process improvements and technology development.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead the design, development, optimization, and scale-up of downstream purification processes for vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and other biologic products intended for preclinical and clinical development.
· Develop purification workflows using chromatography, filtration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), and other downstream processing technologies to achieve target product quality, purity, yield, and process robustness.
· Plan, execute, and oversee downstream process development activities supporting clinical candidate advancement and GMP manufacturing.
· Design and execute process characterization and optimization studies using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and statistical analysis tools such as JMP.
· Develop scalable purification processes that support toxicology studies, clinical manufacturing, and commercial process development.
· Lead technology transfer of downstream purification processes to GMP manufacturing organizations and provide technical support during manufacturing campaigns.
· Prepare, review, and approve technology transfer documentation, including process descriptions, process flow diagrams, batch records, and manufacturing support documents.
· Serve as the downstream purification Subject Matter Expert (SME) during manufacturing operations, technology transfer activities, troubleshooting, facility fit assessments, and process investigations.
· Develop and oversee viral clearance strategies, including coordination of viral clearance validation studies, evaluation of contract research organizations (CROs), approval of scale-down validation methods, and review of validation documentation.
· Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Process Sciences, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Analytical Development, and Project Management teams to ensure successful execution of development milestones and clinical manufacturing objectives.
· Support regulatory submissions, including preparation of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) documentation for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications and responses to regulatory inquiries.
· Review, analyze, interpret, and present scientific data, preparing technical reports, presentations, manufacturing summaries, and scientific publications.
· Troubleshoot downstream purification challenges and implement process improvements to enhance product recovery, consistency, manufacturability, and operational efficiency.
· Oversee downstream process execution for toxicology lot production, including review and approval of manufacturing protocols, process documentation, and final production reports.
· Mentor and train junior scientists and laboratory personnel in downstream purification techniques, laboratory best practices, equipment operation, and scientific problem-solving.
· Maintain accurate, complete, and well-documented laboratory records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as applicable.
· Contribute to scientific innovation through development of novel purification technologies and dissemination of research findings through scientific conferences, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
· Participate in strategic planning and provide scientific guidance for purification strategies supporting new vaccine, monoclonal antibody, and biologics development programs.
Required Qualifications:
· Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
· Minimum of eight (8) years of industry experience in downstream purification process development for recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, or other biologic therapeutics supporting GMP clinical-stage manufacturing.
· Extensive experience developing and optimizing downstream purification processes, including chromatography, filtration, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), viral clearance, and process scale-up.
· Demonstrated experience supporting technology transfer from process development to GMP manufacturing.
· Strong knowledge of bioprocess development principles, process characterization, process validation, and clinical manufacturing operations.
· Experience supporting regulatory submissions, including IND-enabling CMC documentation and regulatory interactions.
· Proficiency with statistical experimental design methodologies (DOE) and data analysis software such as JMP.
· Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and applicable regulatory guidelines.
· Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex purification processes and develop scientifically sound, data-driven solutions.
· Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary projects while effectively collaborating with cross-functional scientific and manufacturing teams.
· Excellent scientific writing, technical documentation, oral communication, and presentation skills.
· Demonstrated experience mentoring junior scientists and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented research environment.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting project timelines.
· Commitment to maintaining accurate, detailed, and well-organized scientific documentation.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Health Coverage:
Choice of 3 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance medical plans
Guardian Dental Coverage
Guardian Vision Coverage
Paid Time Off:
Generous paid time off program, including federal holidays
Financial Security:
401(k) retirement plan managed by The Standard
Safe Harbor employer contribution matching
Option for Roth 401(k) contributions
Automatic enrollment for eligible employees (with opt-out option)
Ability to roll over retirement accounts from previous employers
Guardian Basic Life and AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) Insurance
Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Benefits
Health Savings Account(HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer match
Additional Perks:
Biweekly paycheck
User-friendly Gusto platform for managing employee information, payroll, and benefits
Online access to 401(k) plan management through The Standard's Personal Savings Center
Employee assistance with retirement planning and investment decisions
Secure online platforms for managing benefits and retirement accounts
Role Title: Scientist Cell Line Development
Contact and submit your resume to: info@cystinebioscience.com
Location: Gaithersburg/Bethesda, Maryland.
401K, medical, dental, vision and other benefits along with PTO.
Salary Range : $130K - $150K
Position Overview:
Scientist will design, develop, and optimize stable mammalian cell lines to support the discovery, preclinical, and clinical development of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, virus-like particles (VLPs), and other biotherapeutic candidates. The Scientist will independently execute cell line development workflows, including molecular cloning, stable pool generation, single-cell cloning, clone screening, and genetic characterization. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates while supporting technology transfer, regulatory documentation, and continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
· Design, develop, and optimize stable mammalian cell lines for the production of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccine candidates, and virus-like particles (VLPs).
· Independently execute the complete cell line development workflow, including plasmid construction, stable pool generation, single-cell cloning, clone screening, characterization, and selection of high-producing clones.
· Plan and perform gene synthesis activities, including oligonucleotide design, plasmid design, molecular cloning, and vector construction for recombinant gene expression.
· Generate and evaluate hundreds of clonally derived CHO and HEK293 cell lines to identify optimal production candidates based on productivity, stability, and product quality.
· Perform molecular characterization of engineered cell lines using techniques including RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other molecular biology methods.
· Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments while independently analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
· Utilize advanced cell engineering technologies including: Mammalian cell culture using aseptic techniques, High-throughput transfection platforms, Single-cell cloning and automated cell deposition, Flow cytometry and cell sorting, Automated liquid handling systems, Cell counting and viability analysis, Automated small-scale bioreactor systems
· Develop experimental strategies, project plans, and timelines while managing multiple concurrent research and development projects.
· Identify opportunities for process improvements by evaluating emerging scientific literature, implementing new technologies, and optimizing laboratory workflows to improve robustness, productivity, and efficiency.
· Prepare and maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, experimental records, production documentation, and technical reports in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
· Author and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), experimental protocols, technical reports, production records, and technology transfer documentation.
· Prepare Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) documentation supporting pre-IND and IND regulatory submissions.
· Present scientific findings through internal presentations, technical reports, posters, manuscripts, and presentations at scientific conferences and symposia.
· Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research, process development, analytical, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to support product development milestones.
· Maintain, troubleshoot, and support laboratory instrumentation while ensuring proper calibration, maintenance, and operational readiness.
· Train and mentor junior scientists and laboratory personnel on experimental techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and best laboratory practices.
· Support laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, organizing laboratory resources, and contributing to a safe and compliant research environment.
Required Qualifications:
· Master's or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
· Minimum of 2 years of industry experience in stable cell line development for vaccine, biologics, or biotherapeutic product development.
· Extensive hands-on experience with aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques.
· Demonstrated experience generating clonally derived CHO and/or HEK293 cell lines for recombinant protein or monoclonal antibody production.
· Proven ability to generate, screen, characterize, and select high-producing stable cell lines from large clone populations.
· Strong expertise in molecular cloning, plasmid design, vector construction, and recombinant DNA technologies.
· Experience with gene synthesis, oligonucleotide design, and plasmid engineering.
· Hands-on experience with:
· High-throughput transfection
· Single-cell cloning and automated cell deposition
· Flow cytometry
· Automated liquid handling systems
· Automated small-scale bioreactor platforms
· Cell counting and viability analysis
· Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including:
· RT-PCR
· qPCR
· Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
· Genetic characterization of engineered cell lines
· Experience supporting technology transfer activities and preparing documentation for regulatory submissions, including CMC sections of pre-IND and IND filings.
· Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, and interpret complex biological data.
· Experience preparing scientific reports, SOPs, protocols, technical documentation, and research presentations.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Health Coverage:
Choice of 3 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance medical plans
Guardian Dental Coverage
Guardian Vision Coverage
Paid Time Off:
Generous paid time off program, including federal holidays
Financial Security:
401(k) retirement plan managed by The Standard
Safe Harbor employer contribution matching
Option for Roth 401(k) contributions
Automatic enrollment for eligible employees (with opt-out option)
Ability to roll over retirement accounts from previous employers
Guardian Basic Life and AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) Insurance
Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Benefits
Health Savings Account(HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer match
Additional Perks:
Biweekly paycheck
User-friendly Gusto platform for managing employee information, payroll, and benefits
Online access to 401(k) plan management through The Standard's Personal Savings Center
Employee assistance with retirement planning and investment decisions
Secure online platforms for managing benefits and retirement accounts