Avantor Performance Material

Senior Scientist- mRNA Technology & Process Development

Avantor Performance Material • $107K — $173K *
Bridgewater, NJ 08807In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in relevant scientific field (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, etc.)
  • 5+ years industry experience in mRNA and nucleic acid development
  • Strong knowledge of mRNA process development techniques
  • Hands-on experience in nucleic acid molecular biology and manufacturing
  • Familiarity with process development principles (DOE, QbD, etc.)
  • Experience in troubleshooting complex technical challenges
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize end-to-end mRNA manufacturing processes
  • Develop scalable workflows to enhance mRNA yield and quality
  • Apply statistical tools for process understanding and quality control
  • Collaborate with Analytical Development to ensure mRNA integrity and purity
  • Troubleshoot process challenges with data-driven solutions
  • Author technical documentation and regulatory support materials
  • Evaluate emerging technologies for process improvement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and health savings accounts
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Employee stock purchase program
  • 11 paid holidays and 18 PTO days annually
  • Volunteer time off and 6 weeks of paid parental leave
Full Job Description
The Opportunity:

Avantor is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to lead and support process development initiatives and manufacturing operations for excipients and reagents.

What We're Looking For
  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field (required).
  • Minimum of 5+ years of relevant industry experience in mRNA, RNA, nucleic acid, biologics, or pharmaceutical process development. Doctoral or relevant academic experience may be considered equivalent to industry experience.
  • Strong understanding of mRNA process development, including DNA template generation, in vitro transcription (IVT), enzymatic processing, purification, and analytical characterization.
  • Hands-on experience with nucleic acid process development, molecular biology techniques, and scalable manufacturing processes.
  • Knowledge of process development principles including DOE, QbD, process characterization, scale-up, risk assessment, and CPP/CQA relationships.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex technical challenges, interpreting multidisciplinary data, and developing data-driven solutions.
  • Excellent technical writing, presentation, project leadership, and cross-functional communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • End-to-end mRNA development experience from DNA template preparation through purified mRNA and formulation interface.
  • Experience with IVT, capping/polyadenylation, chromatography, TFF/UF-DF, process scale-up, technology transfer, or GMP manufacturing support.
  • Familiarity with high-throughput automation, continuous manufacturing, process intensification, PAT, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Experience with mRNA analytical techniques such as HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS, CE, qPCR/ddPCR, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, sequencing, or impurity analysis.
  • Experience applying DOE, QbD, JMP, Minitab, Python, R, or related statistical and data-analysis tools.
  • Exposure to GMP/GLP environments, regulatory documentation, method qualification, validation, or technology transfer activities.
  • Experience evaluating emerging technologies, vendors, CDMOs, external collaborations, or technical due diligence opportunities.


How You Will Thrive and Create an Impact:

Process Development
  • Design, develop, and optimize end-to-end mRNA manufacturing processes, including DNA template generation, IVT, enzymatic processing, purification, buffer exchange, and formulation interfaces.
  • Develop robust and scalable workflows to improve mRNA yield, purity, quality, process robustness, and manufacturability.
  • Apply DOE, QbD, risk assessment, and statistical tools to build process understanding and establish relationships between process parameters and product quality attributes.
  • Collaborate with Analytical Development to characterize mRNA identity, integrity, purity, potency-related attributes, and process impurities.
  • Troubleshoot process and product-quality challenges using scientific and data-driven approaches, including root cause analysis and risk mitigation.
  • Author technical reports, development summaries, risk assessments, SOPs, study protocols, and regulatory-support documentation.
  • Evaluate and demonstrate emerging technologies including synthetic DNA, novel purification approaches, automation, process intensification, and continuous manufacturing concepts.


Development Support
  • Support process characterization, control strategy development, and implementation of CPPs, CQAs, in-process controls, and process monitoring strategies.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, analytical, formulation, and regulatory teams to ensure successful process transfer and commercial readiness.
  • Participate in deviation investigations, change controls, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support GMP documentation activities including batch records, SOPs, process transfer packages, and validation-related documentation.
  • Assess external technologies, vendors, CDMOs, and strategic collaboration opportunities through proof-of-concept studies, technical due diligence, and workflow integration assessments.
  • Present technical findings, recommendations, and development strategies to project teams, cross-functional stakeholders, and senior leadership.
  • Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, safety, and operational rigor.


Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.

About Avantor Performance Material

Avantor is a leading provider of mission-critical products & services to customers in the life sciences & applied materials industries.

Avantor Performance Materials Careers

Join the vibrant team at Avantor Performance Materials, a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technologies industries. At Avantor, we are committed to setting science in motion to create a better world. Our company thrives on innovation and leadership in the scientific community, making this an ideal place to advance your career.

Work You’ll Do

At Avantor Performance Materials, you will be part of a culture that values diversity and leadership. Our team members are empowered to lead and innovate, ensuring that we meet the complex challenges of our clients. Whether you are involved in developing new products, improving existing processes, or supporting the seamless delivery of our services, your work will directly contribute to our global impact.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

We offer a variety of job opportunities that cater to different skills and career aspirations. From research and development to marketing and customer support, Avantor provides a platform for professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust training programs and our focus on career advancement.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an internship at Avantor Performance Materials. Our internships provide hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Interns at Avantor gain invaluable industry insights and professional networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Avantor means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to enhance their life and well-being. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are supported both personally and professionally. Avantor’s culture is built on collaboration and respect, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate, curious, and driven. Starting with your resume submission, through to the interview stage, each step allows us to understand your strengths and how they align with our values and goals. We look for individuals who are solution-driven team players eager to contribute to our collective success.

Stay Connected

Join the Avantor Performance Materials team and be part of a company that prides itself on its global scale, innovative solutions, and leadership in science. Explore the positions that match your skills and interests on our Careers page.

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Learn more about Avantor Performance Material
Size
13,500 employees
Market Cap
$13.7 billion
Industry
Business Services
Net Income
$116.6 million
Founded
1904
5 Year Trend
+60.6%
Revenue
$6.3 billion
NASDAQ
AVTR
* Ladders Estimates

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