Associate Scientist , Process Development Downstream

Associate Scientist I, Process Development Downstream

At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives.

Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won't just watch innovation happen — you'll be part of it. Whether you're scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you'll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases.

What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together.

At Forge, your growth matters. We're committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we're proud to see team members grow with us.

If you're ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.

The Associate Scientist I engages in process development activities on a full-time basis and applies basic concepts of purification under close supervision. This person is expected to work closely with cross-functional teams to support in the development and optimization of AAV purification processes, data analysis and summary reports on a timely basis while maintaining compliance and readiness.

• Learns and contributes to downstream process development activities with supervision
• Builds foundational skills in purification techniques such as buffer preparation, filtration, column chromatography, buffer exchange, clarification techniques, lab cleaning and routine equipment sanitization and monitoring.
• Expected to abide by all safety protocols and contribute to lab maintenance activities.
• Collaborates with peers to support experiments and begins contributing to data discussions and problem-solving in team settings.
• Learns to write simple study plans, PowerPoint presentations and internal reports with guidance.
• Documents all work clearly and contemporaneously in lab notebooks and electronic systems, ensuring same-day data entry, accuracy and traceability.
• Develops an understanding of downstream process development principles and begins learning how purification processes align and with cGMP requirements.

• Associate's, Bachelor's or certification, in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry or related discipline or relevant coursework; 0–1 year of experience OR equivalent practical experience.
• Prior experience through internships, job shadowing, or on-the-job learning.

• Basic experience in laboratory skills such as buffer manufacturing, steam sterilization etc.
• Basic data analysis and visualization using excel and PowerPoint skills
• Basic experience with other aspects of downstream purification (e.g. – clarification/filtration, lab scale FPLC chromatography systems, TFF, etc.)

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned.

This position works in both a laboratory environment and typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. The employee will be stationary (standing/sitting) for extended periods of time. Employees regularly wear personal protective equipment based on the task being performed. Must…