As the
R&D Bioprocess Manager, you will lead our upstream Bioprocess group and set the technical direction for how our antibodies and recombinant proteins are expressed. This is a full-time, on-site role at our corporate headquarters in Westbrook, ME. The Upstream Bioprocess group is a fast-paced team central to new product development, working to keep our current expression platform reliably delivering while continuously improving it. You will also assess and bring in new upstream technologies to enable innovation, making sure any approach tied to manufacturing is robust to transfer.
In this role:- You will set the technical direction for expression strategy and process design, including host selection across mammalian, microbial, and other expression systems.
- You will lead cell line development, from defining vector and expression requirements with partner teams through stable pool and cell line generation, clone selection, and cell banking.
- You will lead expression and scale-up of candidate biologics and other recombinant proteins used in IDEXX products, keeping our current platform delivering for product development while continuously improving it.
- You will bring in new technologies and capabilities by evaluating advances in expression, cell culture, and automation, and ensure any approach tied to manufacturing is robust and transferable.
- You will lead and develop a team of scientists: set clear goals, coach and give timely feedback, and grow their technical and leadership skills.
- You will deliver a portfolio of concurrent projects on schedule, and keep stakeholders informed of progress and risks.
- You will be a partner with other R&D functions, Operations, and Quality, and work with external vendors to deliver shared goals.
- You will keep clear scientific records and contribute to regulatory documents as needed, with training provided.
What you need to succeed:- PhD in a life science or engineering field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience is required.
- Proven depth in upstream bioprocess development, including mammalian expression of antibodies, microbial (such as E. coli) expression of other biologics, and bench-scale bioreactors.
- Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell line development: vector and transfection strategy, stable pool and cell line generation, clone selection, cell banking, and single-cell cloning.
- Strong knowledge of cell line evaluation, cell culture media/feeds, and process parameters, with a curious, analytical approach to problem solving and the judgment to know when to adjust a process and when to keep it consistent.
- Experience partnering with Operations teams, external partners, and vendors, including preparing processes for transfer and reviewing vendor and partner deliverables.
- 3+ years leading and developing scientific staff, with strong documentation skills.
- Strong project management and a record of delivering on time: sets clear milestones, prioritizes across projects, communicates risks and setbacks early, and holds self and team accountable for results.
- Excellent written and verbal communication: explains complex science and trade-offs clearly to scientists, partners, and leadership.
- Collaborates across functions and with external partners, builds alignment, and works through disagreement constructively.
- Passion for bringing innovative products to market, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and balance stakeholder trade-offs amid complexity and ambiguity.
- Experience with automated micro-bioreactors or other high-throughput systems, clone screening, Design of Experiments (DoE), and data analysis tools is preferred.
- Experience with yeast or cell-free expression systems is preferred.
- Experience with process characterization of biologics, or technology transfer, and manufacturing settings is preferred.
- Familiarity with regulatory documentation and in vitro diagnostic quality expectations is preferred.
What you can expect from us: - Salary range starting at $143,000 based on experience
- Opportunity for annual cash bonus
- Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day-One
- 5% matching 401k
- Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more
If you're looking for a role that'll challenge you, offer a variety of work and learning, while helping an amazing industry, we'd love to hear from you!
About the job location:If you're thinking about relocating for this role, here are a few things to know about living in Maine (often called "Vacationland"). The Westbrook, ME area provides great access to active downtown areas and the outdoors, with the coast and numerous mountains and hiking trails nearby. You'll also find a number of large companies like ours in the area, creating a vibrant work culture.
You can learn more on the Portland tourism website: https://www.visitportland.com/visit/resources/moving-to-maine/
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