Senior Research Scientist I

Grifols - Durham, NC

Full-time - Senior

Durham, NC

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Research Scientist I position at Grifols is a pivotal role within our research team, focusing on the purification of new proteins to support various Protein Discovery research studies. This role requires the application of a variety of techniques, including chromatography, electrophoresis, diafiltration, and centrifugation, to isolate and purify proteins from complex mixtures, specifically targeting plasma-derived proteins and recombinant proteins from cell culture matrices. The ideal candidate will possess over 20 years of hands-on experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in the purification of plasma-derived and bio-better proteins, as well as recombinant proteins. Responsibilities include sample preparation, monitoring the purification process, and verifying the integrity and concentration of proteins, which are crucial for ensuring the availability of high-quality proteins for our discovery research endeavors. In addition to protein purification, the Senior Research Scientist I will conduct assays to characterize the purified proteins. This includes performing various biochemical and biophysical assays to determine the proteins' properties such as structure, function, interactions, and purity. Techniques employed may include ELISA, western blotting, electrophoresis, and nephelometry. The ability to interpret assay results and present findings clearly is essential. A strong background in protein biochemistry, excellent problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail are critical for success in this role. The position also involves independently identifying actions required to support departmental objectives, executing action plans, preparing and editing complex procedures or technical reports, and applying sound scientific principles to develop innovative solutions to complex technical problems. The candidate will be expected to lead problem-solving efforts, mentor junior staff, and serve as a technical consultant within their functional area. The role requires the design, execution, and interpretation of results for novel and scientifically complex experiments, as well as directing others in study execution. Maintaining laboratory facilities in accordance with company policies and best practices is also a key responsibility, along with providing support for research and developmental studies as needed.

Responsibilities

• Independently identify actions required to support departmental objectives.
• Execute action plans independently, as part of a team, or as the lead for a departmental team.
• Prepare and edit procedures or technical reports of a complex nature, including data interpretation.
• Apply sound scientific principles in the development of innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Lead others in problem-solving efforts.
• Mentor/training junior staff in relevant principles and/or guidelines.
• Serve as a technical consultant within functional area.
• Design, execute, and interpret results for novel and scientifically complex experiments.
• Direct others in study execution.
• Maintain laboratory facilities in accordance with company policies and industrial best practices.
• Provide support for research and developmental studies, clinical or commercial manufacturing as needed.
• Identify, implement, and qualify equipment to meet industrial best practices or achieve compliance with regulatory expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Toxicology with at least 6 years of work experience; or a Master's degree with at least 4 years of work experience; or a PhD with at least 2 years of work experience.
• Extensive experience (20+ years) in the biopharmaceutical industry, specifically in the purification of plasma-derived and recombinant proteins.
• Strong background in protein biochemistry and experience with purification techniques such as chromatography and electrophoresis.
• Ability to conduct biochemical and biophysical assays, including ELISA and western blotting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Evidence of publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficient with the use of MS Office software.