BTEC Scientist

Position Summary

The BTEC Scientist will serve as both scientist and mentor, balancing educational impact with translational research to drive process improvement and contribute to the global biomanufacturing community.

The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) is a cross‑disciplinary instructional center providing educational and training opportunities to develop skilled professionals for the biomanufacturing industry. BTEC’s audience includes NCSU students and professionals already involved in biomanufacturing or related industries, and it also offers bioprocess development and analytical services to a wide range of customers from academia and industry.

• Teaching and Instructional Support
  • Lead and support engaging lab sessions for varied course participants, fostering a deep understanding of downstream bioprocessing.
  • Actively instruct course participants on scientific principles, lab procedures, and the application of downstream theory.
  • Manage the end‑to‑end logistics for assigned courses, including planning, preparation, and post‑lab clean‑up.
  • Participate in activities to promote and support BTEC’s mission and vision both internally and externally to the University.
  • Mentor research students and interns while training staff and developing internal materials to ensure consistent operational knowledge.
• Research and Development
  • Optimize and co‑develop course labs, conduct biomanufacturing research and champion downstream improvement projects.
  • Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to keep BTEC teaching content effective, current and state‑of‑the‑art.
  • Independently plan, execute, document, and analyze experiments that contribute to a broader scientific community.
  • Communicate research findings through concise reports, presentations or technical articles.
• Routine Operations and Lab Maintenance
  • Design and maintain organization systems to ensure all assigned lab areas are clean, safe, and logistically sound.
  • Ensure equipment and materials are ready‑to‑use for a seamless student experience.
  • Establish and oversee robust processes for inventory, documentation and equipment logbooks to drive operational efficiency.
  • Take the lead on equipment reliability, from commissioning new tools to solving complex process issues.
  • Suggest and execute preventative actions for equipment and processes.
  • Uphold safety and simulated‑GMP standards, ensuring BTEC remains a model for industry excellence.
  • Lead the creation and revision of process documentation for continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or BTEC directors.

• Minimum
  
  Education and Experience
  • B.S. in Engineering or Science (e.g., biotechnology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, microbiology, molecular biology or similar field) with 4+ years of lab‑based experience OR M.S. in a related discipline.
  • Hands‑on expertise in experimental design and downstream unit operations or transferable expertise in centrifugation, homogenization, filtration, chromatography.
• Required degree must be completed prior to the start date.
• Effective communicator: present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Build strong interpersonal relationships and collaborate effectively with BTEC colleagues, students, faculty, and industry professionals.
• Maintain professional communications with service providers and external collaborators.
• Adaptable and flexible, navigating shifting projects, priorities, and schedules.
• Proficient in Google Workspace and MS Office suites with willingness to master new software and technologies.
• Work independently and as a team member when appropriate.
• Growth mindset: self‑driven learner with high emotional intelligence.
• Technical problem‑solver: skilled in troubleshooting equipment and processes with high attention to detail.

• Instructional experience training peers, junior staff, or students.
• Deep understanding of the theory behind biomanufacturing downstream operations or ability to quickly develop this knowledge.
• Practical experience in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or regulated environment.
• Proven ability to perform…