Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist Houston, TX

Kelly Science & Clinical is currently seeking a Senior Scientist for a biopharma/biotech company in Southwest Houston. The Senior Scientist will support our clients viral vector platform with a focus on late-stage development, process characterization, and recombinant AAV vector preparation for preclinical studies, toxicology batches, reference material, and clinical products.

This role will involve routine cell culture, production in small- to mid-scale bioreactors, filtration, and cross-collaborative support with downstream and manufacturing teams. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in AAV gene therapy, upstream process development, and a strong understanding of cGMP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine suspension cell culture (sampling, cell counting, passaging)
  
• Independently maintain and manage upstream lab equipment
  
• Lead unit operations for viral vector production across development, toxicology, and GMP batches (shake flasks, rockers, 2L, 10L, and 50L bioreactors)
  
• Support upstream technology strategies from development stage through tech transfer, engineering runs, and GMP manufacturing
  
• Ensure adequate inventory and collaborate with supply chain for materials procurement
  
• Draft, edit, and review data capture forms, batch records, SOPs, and standard work elements for upstream equipment and operations
  
• Maintain responsible laboratory practices, including GDP-compliant documentation, notebooks, and data capture
  
• Collaborate with pre-clinical, analytical development, quality control, and manufacturing teams to align on project timelines

Qualifications
Education

• Minimum: B.S. in Biological Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering

Required Experience & Skills

• Expertise in AAV gene therapy and upstream bioprocessing
  
• Proficiency in suspension cell culture techniques, aseptic practices, and operation of biosafety cabinets, incubators, shakers, and centrifugation equipment
  
• Experience in media preparation, monitoring, sampling, and analysis of cell culture growth and expansion
  
• Hands-on experience with shake flasks and small-scale bioreactors in a process development setting
  
• Strong skills in MS Office, Excel, and basic cell kinetics analysis (growth curves, doubling times, viability)

Preferred Skills

• Large-scale bioreactor and pilot-scale filtration experience
  
• Familiarity with GMP operations, SOP drafting, and documentation standards
  
• Experience in AAV bioprocessing, capsid engineering, or cell line development
  
• MFCS/SCADA software knowledge is a plus
  
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, meet project deadlines, and thrive in a collaborative PD/GMP environment

Attributes

• Deep understanding of late-stage process development and regulatory requirements
  
• Self-starter with high energy, initiative, and the ability to instill urgency and pace into projects
  
• Passionate, collaborative, and creative, with a focus on advancing transformative gene therapies for patients and their families

Job Details

• Direct Hire
  
• MondayFriday, Day Shift
  
• Location: Southwest Houston
  
• Compensation: Salary dependent upon education and experience

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