Scientist III - Vaccine Drug Development - FSP

We are looking to fill a Scientist III position working as a full-time employee of Parexel FSP on long-term assignment onsite at one of our clients located in West Point, PA. This position offers full benefits, sick time, 401K, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Responsibilities

• The design, execution, and documentation of laboratory activities supporting formulation of novel vaccine antigens (e.g., RNA, live virus vaccines, subunit, conjugate etc.), adjuvants, and delivery systems. 

• Design and perform hypothesis-driven formulation and process development experiments for sterile vaccine drug products (buffers, stabilizers, antigen/adjuvant, vials, syringes) across multiple vaccine modalities (subunit, conjugate, live-attenuated, etc.). 

• Prepare formulations and fill vials/syringes for characterization & animal studies using aseptic technique and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP); support transfer to GMP manufacturing. 

• Conduct stability and forced-degradation studies; analyze data, summarize findings, and author technical reports and electronic notebook entries. 

• Operate and troubleshoot benchtop unit operations (mixing, filtration, pumping, lyophilization), common lab instruments (pH, scales, pipettes), and analytical tools (DLS, SLS, KF, DSC, DSF) 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (discovery, analytical, manufacturing, regulatory) to meet project timelines and deliverables. 

• Continuously learn and apply current literature, methods, and technologies to improve formulations and processes. 

• Support selected analytical studies on formulated products such as osmolality, viscosity, pH, and dynamic light scattering.

• Follow safe laboratory practices and maintain the work area in a clean orderly and safe manner.

• Draft, review and execute protocols for batch manufacture.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 3-5 years of relevant experience

-or-

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 1-2 years of relevant experience

Required Skills and Experience

• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry) designing, driving, and interpreting results from experiments

• Excellent communication, writing and collaboration skills

• Excellent organizational and technical problem-solving abilities

• Comfortable working in a face-paced environment and adapting to change 

• Ability to provide critical input into experimental plans

• Team-oriented, motivated to learn, and able to manage multiple priorities under technical supervision

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience with analytical characterization of biotherapeutics including protein biochemistry and analytical characterization (e.g., particle size analysis and other biophysical methodologies)

• Formulation development experience with biotherapeutics including RNA, carbohydrate, protein and/or live viral vaccines as well as adjuvants for parenteral administration

• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique

• Understanding of the drug product manufacturing process and scale-up considerations

• Experience with preparation and/or manufacturing of safety assessment or clinical supplies

• Experience authoring source documents used in regulatory filings

• General knowledge and/or experience with lyophilization, including techniques to examine residual moisture and the physical properties of lyophilized formulations

About Parexel

Parexel FSP includes the CMC Operations group. We provide pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies with qualified and talented technical professionals to support the development and delivery of new therapies.

For results-driven and caring individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the world, Parexel is trusted by life sciences companies to meet their long-term staffing needs for scientists and engineers and related professionals in discovery and development of novel therapies, keeping patients at the center of everything we do, and where an inclusive community helps you be your best, transforming any career into a life-changing achievement.

Come join us!

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EEO Disclaimer

Parexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the United States includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.