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Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Pivotal Life Sciences
Posted onJan 20, 2026
LocationSan Diego, California, United States (On-site)
Employment typeFull-time
Salary$120k – $190k Yearly

Title: Senior Scientist / Principal Scientist, Bioprocess Sciences

Location: San Diego

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us: A stealth-mode biotech focused on developing best-in-class delivery for in vivo gene editing.

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientific expert to join our team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist of Bioprocess Sciences. This role will provide technical expertise for bacterial protein production programs supporting research and development. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team of scientists responsible for process development, scale-up strategy and external manufacturing oversight. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical expertise for bacterial strain engineering, fermentation, protein expression, purification, and protein characterization activities.
  • Develop, optimize, and scale bacterial culture and purification processes for internal and external manufacturing.
  • Manage and oversee activities at contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), including tech transfer, process troubleshooting, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Partner cross-functionally with research, analytical, quality, and leadership teams to achieve project milestones.
  • Establish and maintain robust documentation, protocols, and data packages to support internal decision-making and external partners.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, development strategies, and risk assessments to internal stakeholders.
  • Stay current with advancements in bioprocessing technologies, manufacturing trends, and regulatory expectations.

Qualifications:

  • D. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of progressive experience in bacterial protein expression, purification, and bioprocess development.
  • Demonstrated experience leading projects and mentoring or managing scientists.
  • Hands-on expertise with affinity-based protein purification (e.g., FPLC), bacterial expression systems, and routine molecular biology assays.
  • Strong working knowledge of SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, and other biochemical and biophysical assays.
  • Experience interpreting QC assays (fluorometric, chromogenic, etc.) and assessing data quality and process performance.
  • Routine use of electronic laboratory notebooks (e.g., Benchling) with a strong commitment to data integrity.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience managing or collaborating with CDMOs for process development or manufacturing.
  • Experience with bioreactor operations, scale-up, and tech transfer.
  • Protein characterization experience using HPLC/UPLC and/or LC-MS.
  • Familiarity with regulatory expectations related to bioprocessing and manufacturing.
  • Background in protein engineering or recombinant protein production.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
  • Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. To be considered for the role, applicants must be:

  • Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
  • Able to work onsite in the lab located in San Diego.
  • A direct candidate and not from a third party, i.e., staffing agency.
Salary: $120,000-$190,000 Salary Range

Pivotal Life Sciences

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Pivotal Life Sciences is a global healthcare investment firm that supports companies developing high impact therapeutics to address major unmet medical needs.

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