Sr. Scientist, Downstream and Biologics Formulation Development

Description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.

Your Role:

Avid is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Sr. Scientist, Downstream and Biologics Formulation Development to lead biologics formulation development while contributing to integrated downstream process development within a fast-paced, client-facing environment. This role is responsible for defining formulation strategies, executing technical studies, and supporting cross-functional integration as the capability expands. Additional responsibilities include designing downstream purification processes for protein-based biologics, viral clearance studies, scale-down and scale-up activities, and technology transfer to manufacturing. The individual will collaborate closely with Cell Line Development, Upstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, DS/DP Manufacturing, Program Management, and external partners to support client programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead formulation development for biologics, including pre-formulation assessments, excipient screening, and stability studies. Demonstrated experience in formulation development for complex biologic modalities-including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)-with understanding of modality-specific stability and developability challenges is highly advantageous.
• Lead downstream process development for biologics, including capture chromatography, polishing chromatography, viral inactivation/filtration, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
• Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization, including DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy. Design and interpret analytical testing strategies including HPLC (SEC & IEX), CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, and other biophysical assays to support process development and formulation studies.
• Expertise in developing high concentration protein formulations and resolving issues such as aggregation, viscosity, and solubility. Able to identify and mitigate formulation risks including precipitation and chemical degradation.
• Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare technical protocols, reports, and development summaries.
• Establish and drive scientific strategy, workflows, and best practices for early- to late-stage biologics formulation development, with the ability to operate independently in a dynamic, fast-paced, client-facing environment with evolving priorities.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) in client engagements, including proposals, presentations, and project reviews; prior line management or informal leadership experience is advantageous.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to align project timelines, priorities, and resource planning.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and technical staff, and support onboarding of new team members.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and platform approaches to enhance internal capabilities and drive innovation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and safety standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support evolving business and project needs.
• Occasional travel may be required (by land or air) to attend conferences, seminars, off-site client meetings, and marketing events as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field and minimum 4-6 years of relevant experience and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
• Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins with deep understanding of protein structure and function.
• Experience in development of ultra-high concentration and pre-developability assessment
• Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4-6 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 6-10 years of experience.
• Prior experience in formulations process development and/or downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
• Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.
• Candidates with strong expertise in either biologics formulation development or downstream process development will be considered, with opportunities to contribute across both areas.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PST unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.

Compensation:

We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

The compensation range for this role is $147,200-$184,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Who you are:

• You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
• Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
• You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
• You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.

Physical Demands & Work Environment: