Senior Scientist, Fermentation - IR&D, Product Development

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for a Senior Scientist, Fermentation - IR&D, Product Development to join our team. This role supports process and product innovation to keep Catalent at the forefront of leading CDMOs. You will work on upstream fermentation development, clone selection, and technology improvements for novel vectors. The position involves collaboration with internal teams and clients, contributing to innovative solutions for advanced therapies.

Shift: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM
Location: Baltimore, MD - BioPark
100% Onsite

The Role

• Lead platform fit assessment for novel vectors (IR&D) and optimize upstream fermentation conditions.
• Execute clone selection using DASGIP (4x1L) and Eppendorf BioFlo systems to identify candidates for RCB and eventual GMP MCB generation.
• Perform strain selection across E. coli hosts to ensure plasmid stability, integrity, and high yield.
• Evaluate novel plasmid vectors for AAV/lentiviral production via shake-flask transfection studies.
• Conduct transfection, cloning, and high-throughput screening (ambr15 48‑bioreactor system) to identify top-performing clones.
• Tech transfer clone-specific fermentation processes to Process Development and GMP manufacturing (UpTempo and custom client vectors).
• Drive innovation by improving strain selection, fermentation processes, media, and lysis strategies.
• Maintain plasmid inventory, oversee fermentation lab operations, and support critical equipment ownership.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges while collaborating cross-functionally, communicating with stakeholders/clients, and mentoring junior team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

• PhD degree with 4+ years of upstream process development/R&D, or Master’s degree with 8+ years, or BA/BS with 10+ years in upstream process development/R&D. Education must be in a biological, scientific, or engineering discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent).
• Experience with a wide array of E. coli strains including Dh5, DH10b, NEB, Stbl.
• Excellent problem-solving and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to execute detailed experimental plans, record procedures, analyze data, and present results.
• Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel and Word, and programs for laboratory equipment.
• Ability to sit at a desk or computer for periods of time to prepare documentation, reports, and data analyses.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods, including standing, walking, or sitting.
• Manual dexterity to safely and accurately handle laboratory instruments, pipettes, chromatography equipment, and various tubing and fittings.
• Occasional lifting of containers or lab equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Good vision and hand-eye coordination for detailed work.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and, when required, respiratory protection.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Experience with mammalian cell types including HEK293, CHO, and others is a plus.
• Scale-up of fermentation or cell-culture processes to 50L+ bioreactor scale is a plus.
• Experience with preparation of regulatory documents is a plus.
• Experience with various cell lines for recombinant protein and gene therapy vector expression, process development, and/or bioprocess manufacturing is a plus.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position in MD is $120,000 – $150,000 Plus Bonus. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why You Should Join Catalent

• Biologics services include process development, analytical development, quality systems, stability studies, fill/finish, and cell and virus banks.
• Featured technologies include adeno-associated virus (AAV), vaccines, and oncolytic virus.
• 152 hours PTO plus 8 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Tuition reimbursement.