Process Development Associate - Upstream

Position Summary

This position resides in the Process Operations team in the Process Development department and drives robustness and consistency in the laboratory through execution and innovation of laboratory practices. They drive efficiencies in Process Development while maintaining ownership of the laboratory and systems. They will have the responsibility of being operations leads on projects with increasing ownership and collaboration within the department.

Through defined roles and responsibilities, the process operations team will be subject matter experts (SMEs) on both the execution of processes as well as the systems in the laboratory.

• Conduct laboratory experiments in support of process development including preparing solutions, running unit operations (fermentation, homogenization, clarification, filtration, chromatography, etc.), and executing basic analysis of process samples (absorbance, solids content, plating, pH, conductivity, metabolites, etc.). Documents these procedures, observations, and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action, and at times outside of defined procedures.
• Make detailed observations about experimental deviations from expectations and carry out elementary data analysis to identify results that should be rejected due to exceptional laboratory conditions.
• Understand experiments and conduct troubleshooting analysis.
• Maintain and update knowledge of instrumentation and maintenance; schedule periodic maintenance for laboratory equipment.
• Ensure proper labeling, handling, and storage of all chemicals; assure proper labeling and disposition of hazardous waste; adhere to all safety requirements and attend all required safety and health training, including handling hazardous waste.
• React to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

B.S. degree in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, or related area (or equivalent training). A.S./B.S. and 0+ years of related experience. Basic understanding of laboratory equipment and maintenance required; basic technical writing and communication skills desired. Experience in stirred‑tank fermentations (single‑use and stainless), chromatography, precipitation, and filtration methods highly preferred.

Process Development Associate I: $55,000–$75,900

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its workforce. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.