Engineer/Associate Scientist, Oligonucleotide Purification Development

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative individual with some process development experience to join our Oligonucleotide Purification Development team. This position provides an exciting opportunity to develop robust, high purity, state of the art processes for the purification of oligonucleotides. This position provides an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience and exposure to the design and development of manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial therapeutics.

This engineer/associate scientist role in the oligonucleotide development modality is responsible for purification development including process development, process characterization, scale-up, for all unit operations (chromatography, detritylation, UF/DF) with some guidance. This position is expected to learn our oligonucleotide platform while exploring non-platform and novel purification steps, have a working knowledge of the manufacturing facilities and equipment, contribute to tech transfer activities, document review, provide on-the-manufacturing floor support, troubleshooting and authoring CMC section of INDs. These activities can include early and late-stage process characterization and robustness studies.

This position will act as a subject matter expert on purification processes to facilitate interactions internally within the oligonucleotide organization (synthesis, drug product, analytical) as well as cross functionally (with Research/Manufacturing/MS project and tech transfer teams). 

This an on-site role based at our headquarters in Cambridge, MA. 

What You'll Do: 

• Develop and characterize purification processes for a rapidly expanding pipeline of new oligonucleotides drug therapies. The individual will utilize multiple modes of chromatography and ultrafiltration and learn chemical cleavage/conjugation/hybridization steps.
• Investigate new purification technologies that seek to enhance purity, process robustness and/or productivity of our existing oligonucleotide platform process.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other groups to improve process understanding and manage team activities.
• Document laboratory work in development reports, training/mentoring of new employees, and lead pilot scale activities.
• Scale-up and technology transfer oligonucleotide processes into our pilot and GMP manufacturing facilities and participate in writing regulatory sections for INDs.

Qualifications

Who You Are 

We are looking for someone who is passionate for exploring novel scientific ideas and play a key role in developing new cutting-edge technologies with a vision to push Biogen’s state-of-art science in oligonucleotide purification that can ultimately impact patient lives. You should have the ability to write development reports, help lead pilot scale activities and collaborate across teams. You should be able to work independently (e.g., root cause investigations, evaluation of processes) with some guidance from the supervisor.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related life science field with 2-4 years industry experience (or master’s degree with 0-2 years of industry experience) is required.
• Proven record of successfully planning and executing projects and experiments
• Demonstrated technical proficiency and creativity in developing innovative technologies/approaches in purification.
• Lab experience in purification of proteins and/or DNA/RNA using column chromatography (e.g., Ion exchange, Hydrophobic Interaction, and/or Reversed phase) and UF/DF.
• Some hands-on experience in analysis of proteins or DNA/RNA, preferably using both HPLC and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Experience using AKTA purification systems and Unicorn software and use of statistical design (DoE) are a plus. Experience in statistical analysis is also a plus.
• Motivated to work and communicate both individually and within teams

Additional Information

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.