Summary

Debut Biotechnology is seeking a Senior Process Development Engineer I in downstream process development for small molecule purification. You will develop (and track the data of) robust & scalable downstream processes, communicate these investigations in the form of written reports and presentations, and support pilot-scale process operations to maximize product yield. This individual should have hands-on experience with the unit operations and relevant bench/pilot equipment that can be used for purification, physical separations, and chemical transformations. As such, those with backgrounds in chemistry & chemical engineering are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will work closely with the internal members of the downstream process development team, as well as cross-functionally with fermentation scientists, pilot plant associates, biologists, chemists, and engineers.

Essential Functions

• Carry out bench-scale studies to support process development & optimization with little-to-no supervisor direction, focusing on small molecule purification from biologically derived matrices (e.g. fermentation broth and/or enzymatic reaction systems).

• Design experiments to improve and optimize process performance with little-to-no supervisor direction. Develop solutions to complex problems which require the use of ingenuity, innovation, and creativity.

• Document experimental studies in reports, datasheets, summaries, presentations and SOPs. Generate appropriate data reporting structures, with emphasis on process flow diagrams, yields, mass & energy balances. Write engineering reports and present data at review meetings.

• Execute data trending and statistical process analysis. Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP) is highly desirable. Develop models based on available/collected data and chemical engineering phenomena to determine effects of potential process changes, and support TEA/LCA analysis.

• Assist in maintenance of the process equipment to facilitate process scale-up and operations. Lead creation, handling and tracking of equipment documentation, serve as in-house SME for bench-scale and pilot-scale process equipment.

• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to successfully transfer SOPs and related documents that meet target specifications.

• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners to facilitate collaboration across functions

• Deliver reproducible and impactful results under ambitious timelines.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6-7 years industrial experience, OR MS and 3-5 years of industrial experience OR PhD and 0-2 years of industrial experience. Chemical Engineering discipline degree preferred, though relevant scientific discipline degree (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology) considered with appropriate industrial engineering experience.

• 2-4 years of relevant industrial experience in downstream process development and/or purification of small molecules from complex matrices (e.g. fermentation broth).

• Experience with separation and purification technologies (centrifugation, filtration [both dead-end and cross-flow], liquid-liquid extraction, crystallization) desired.

• Experience working with relevant bench and pilot-scale DSP equipment is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with chemical engineering phenomena and chemical intermolecular interactions strongly desired. Experience with developing chemical transformation reaction conditions a plus.

• Must be motivated and able to work under tight deadlines.

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently as required.

• Attention to detail and meticulous record keeping is required.

• Strong planning, organizational, time management and communication skills.

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck.

• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.

• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting). Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.

• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2).

• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.

• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $100,000 – $130,000 per year