Scientist II

The Fountain Group is currently seeking a Scientist II for a prominent client of ours. This position is located at Lake County, IL
.Details for the position are as follows:

Scientist II

Lake County, IL

12 months (With Possible Extension/Hire)

$50-$54/ hours

The Scientist II, Biologics CMC Develop ability will support early-stage develop ability assessments of therapeutic biologics to inform candidate selection, molecular optimization, and progression through the drug development pipeline. This role focuses on evaluating manufacturability, formulation suitability, stability, and product quality risks to identify potential challenges early in development. The scientist will work within a global, cross-functional team, collaborating with Discovery, Analytical, and Process Research and Development (R&D) scientists to characterize a diverse range of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific and multispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), fusion proteins, and emerging biologic modalities.

• Execute candidate screening and characterization studies to assess the develop ability of therapeutic biologics.
• Perform conformational stability assessments using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and related analytical techniques.
• Determine solution viscosity and evaluate other physicochemical properties relevant to biologics development.
• Assess chemical and physical stability under varying solution conditions, including pH, ionic strength, temperature, and light exposure.
• Evaluate the effects of manufacturing-related stresses, including freeze-thaw cycles, mixing, filtration, filling, and lyophilization, on candidate stability and product quality.
• Apply analytical characterization techniques to identify potential degradation pathways and develop ability risks.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret scientific findings, and communicate results through technical reports and presentations to cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Stay current with scientific literature and contribute to new scientific initiatives and improvements in experimental approaches.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Typically, at least 4 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree or 2 years with a master's degree.
• Experience in formulation development, protein stability, or develop ability assessment of therapeutic biologics is strongly preferred.
• Strong laboratory skills in the chemical and structural characterization of biologics.
• Experience with relevant analytical techniques, such as HPLC/UPLC, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), capillary electrophoresis, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF), particle analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), DSF, DSC, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Scientific understanding of the structure and function of monoclonal antibodies, antibody constructs and conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and fusion proteins.
• Understanding of biologics degradation pathways and their potential impact on stability, manufacturability, and product quality.

• Builds effective working relationships and collaborates across functional teams to achieve shared scientific objectives.
• Demonstrates strong oral communication, scientific presentation, technical writing, and documentation skills.
• Works independently, manages multiple priorities, and adapts to changing project requirements and tight timelines.
• Applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Demonstrates scientific curiosity and a commitment to improving experimental methods, operational efficiency, and data quality.
• Values diverse scientific perspectives and translates innovative ideas into actionable scientific solutions.