Associate Scientist 2 - Downstream

Associate Scientist II, Downstream

About Site

Our Gene Therapy facility, located at the University of Maryland (UMD) BioPark in the city of Baltimore, MD, specializes in upstream and downstream process development of viral vectors for clinical applications. Baltimore is a hub of national and international travel and communications and is also home to and near major universities and several federal agencies, including the FDA, USDA, NIH, Johns Hopkins University, and UMD Schools of Medicine. The facility houses process development labs and CGMP cleanroom suites for Phase 1 and 2 programs focused on a variety of transformative technologies, including AAV and other viral vectors, vaccines, and oncolytic immunotherapies.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for an Associate Scientist II, Downstream to join our team in Baltimore, MD - BioPark. The role supports downstream process development, pilot scale execution, and technology transfer to GMP manufacturing. The position involves hands-on laboratory work, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and contribution to process development activities. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise, scientific curiosity, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Shift: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Location: Baltimore, MD - BioPark
100% Onsite

The Role

• Perform downstream processing of macromolecules expressed in mammalian cell lines, insect cells, or microbes.
• Develop and execute purification protocols from bench scale to large scale.
• Collaborate with analytical and upstream teams for purification and analysis of target molecules.
• Execute laboratory procedures and methods with high quality and moderate guidance.
• Build credibility within the group by delivering high-quality work.
• Assist other members of the Downstream Process Development group as needed.
• Follow standard operating procedures, protocols, and maintain required training.
• Manage data, complete batch and experimental records according to Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Document and communicate results through presentations, discussions, and meetings.
• Manage samples and inventory related to experiments.
• Assist with lab maintenance, stocking, cleaning, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Participate in project team decision-making and scientific discussions.
• Accommodate occasional weekend and evening work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Engineering or Life Science discipline with relevant experience (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science – at least 1+ years; or Master of Science – 0+ years).
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in biologics purification including chromatography and aseptic processing.
• Ability to sit at a desk or computer for documentation and data analysis.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods, including standing, walking, or sitting.
• Manual dexterity to handle laboratory instruments, pipettes, chromatography equipment, and tubing.
• Occasional lifting of containers or lab equipment up to 30 pounds.
• Good vision and hand-eye coordination for detailed work.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when required.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Experience with centrifugation, normal and tangential flow filtration, depth filtration, virus removal, and inactivation steps.
• Experience operating AKTA chromatography systems, UNICORN software, and chromatography column packing.
• Downstream process development experience specific to AAV, virus, VLP, or protein production.
• Awareness of GMP operations and process technical transfer.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position in MD is $70,000 – $90,000 Plus Bonus. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why You Should Join Catalent

• Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process.
• Diverse, inclusive culture.
• Potential for career growth on an expanding team within an organization dedicated to preserving and bettering lives.
• Competitive paid time off plus 8 paid holidays.
• Community engagement and green initiatives.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career!  Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference. 

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

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