About our Client
Bio-Sourcing is a leading biotechnology organization focused on developing and producing high-quality therapeutic proteins in goat milk. Our client’s mission is to make biologics more affordable and accessible while exploring innovative delivery methods such as oral and topical applications. Bio-Sourcing secures funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator to develop innovative biomanufacturing solutions in Europe. As they expand, we seek a skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join their Downstream Processing (DSP) team, with a special focus on developing scalable clarification methods for genetically adapted goat milk.
As a Senior Scientist in DSP, your primary responsibility will be to develop and optimize scalable, robust clarification (and purification) processes for therapeutic proteins produced in genetically adapted goat milk. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure these processes meet industrial-scale requirements, maintaining high product yield, purity, and cost-efficiency.
Your role
1. Scalable Process Development and Optimization
- Clarification Process Design: Develop and optimize scalable methods to clarify goat milk and recover target proteins efficiently. The method developed must be compatible with current DSP used in the industry, especially to purify therapeutic proteins.
- Industrialization Readiness: Develop processes that can be industrialized to handle several hundred liters of goat milk per day.
2. Robust Process Design
- Ensure processes are robust enough to accommodate seasonal variations in goat milk quality, including changes in protein concentration, milk analyte content, and target protein titer.
- Perform risk assessments and design experiments to address variability, ensuring consistent product quality across batches.
3. Analytical and Quality Support
- Participate in analytical method development and apply tools for monitoring process performance and product quality.
- Ensure processes comply with regulatory and quality standards, supporting downstream integration into production.
4. Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness
- Implement and conduct pilot-scale studies and prepare for full-scale industrial implementation.
- Optimize process economics, focusing on raw material usage, labor, and facility costs.
5. Innovation and Technology Advancement
- Stay updated on new technologies and industry trends in milk clarification and protein purification.
- Propose and implement innovative approaches to improve downstream processing efficiency and scalability.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with upstream processing, analytical, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment throughout process development.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a collaborative environment.
7. Documentation and Communication
- Prepare detailed technical reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Your profile
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 2-3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Strong expertise in downstream processing, including clarification and purification of complex biologics from unconventional matrices (e.g., goat milk).
- Milk processing experience is a must have.
- Experience in developing scalable clarification methods and downstream processes for biologics such as monoclonal antibodies.
- Familiarity with pilot-scale equipment and process scale-up.
- Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in cross-functional teams.
Success Criteria
- Development of a scalable process capable of handling several hundred liters of goat milk daily and compatible with DSP already in place in pharma industry, especially for monoclonal antibodies.
- Robust processes that can manage seasonal variability in milk quality and target protein concentration while maintaining high product quality and yield.
Person in charge
Morgane de Jong- Recruitment Consultant
Office : +32 10 39 21 88
Mail : mdejong@plusonesearch.be
