Senior Scientist/Team Leader – Bioprocess Development

Senior Scientist/Team Leader – Bioprocess Development

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Scientist/Team Leader – Bioprocess Development to lead downstream process development team focused on the chromatographic purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This role is central to our mission of enabling large and small biopharmaceutical companies to bring transformative therapies to patients faster and more efficiently.

As a scientific leader, you will guide a team in designing and executing purification strategies that support late-stage development and manufacturing readiness. You’ll work closely with external biopharma clients, helping them advance their molecules toward commercialization—ultimately impacting patient lives around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of bioprocess development scientists and serve as a subject matter expert in monoclonal antibody downstream processing with a heavy focus on preparative chromatography. Partner with leaders across Ecolab’s global Bioprocessing labs to address complex purification challenges.
• Design, execute, and analyze chromatography-based purification processes for mAbs, including Protein A, ion exchange, HIC, and related modalities.
• Develop scalable, robust purification processes tailored to client molecules and manufacturing objectives.
• Lead technology transfer activities with external manufacturing partners.
• Prepare technical reports, protocols, and documentation to support regulatory submissions.

• Work directly with leading biopharma clients to align on study design, timelines, and deliverables.
• Deliver high-quality experimental data that supports client development programs and regulatory filings.
• Act as a trusted scientific partner, helping clients resolve technical challenges and accelerate progress toward commercialization.

• Manage daily lab operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, supporting their technical growth and execution excellence.
• Promote a culture of scientific rigor, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, or
• Ph.D. with 4+ years of experience in downstream process development for biologics.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparative chromatography and antibody purification.
• Proven ability to lead small scientific teams and manage lab operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with AKTA systems, Unicorn software, and high-throughput screening platforms (e.g., Tecan Te-Chrom).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, UV spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with tech transfer, cGMP/cGLP standards, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience in client-facing or CDMO environments is a plus.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of statistical tools (e.g., JMP,) and data analysis software

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a lab-based leadership role—it’s an opportunity to directly influence the development of biologic therapies that improve and save lives. You’ll be working with some of the world’s leading biopharma companies, helping them refine and scale their purification processes to bring innovative treatments to patients in need.

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range

The base salary range for this position is $107,600.00 - $161,500.00. This position is eligible for annual bonus pay based on performance, per plan terms. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits 

Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits. 

If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here. 

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.