Principal Scientist, BioPhysical

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we'll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

Serve as the Principal Scientist responsible for the development and execution of highly complex method development and characterization studies related to the testing, characterization, and analysis of glycoproteins/biotherapeutics using biophysical instrumentation and methodologies. Independently responsible for conducting and guiding method feasibility, development, optimization, method transfers, qualifications, and ICH validations, and for conducting routine testing in both R&D and cGMP environments. Responsible for guidance and oversight of Jr. Staff performing same. Additionally, will be responsible for management of projects including client interaction, interpretation and reporting of data for assigned research projects. May be responsible for oversight of Laboratories and Scientific staff.

Principal Duties

Functioning independently as the Principal Scientist and technical expert on highly complex studies, develop, perform, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments, tests, and procedures within accepted regulatory compliance for the characterization and analysis of biotherapeutics through use of biophysical instrumentation and methodologies.
Generate and finalize high quality method and study protocols for sponsor and internal method characterization and sample testing programs. Ensure that study protocols are amended to accurately reflect any changes in scope of work or deliverables, in a timely fashion.
Function as the primary contact for the planning and execution of Sponsor interaction related to proposal management, research, and method development, and for the design, scheduling, conduct and reporting of studies.
Provide oversight of laboratories and mentor and/or supervise scientific staff in the development and execution of studies to generate high quality scientific data within accepted regulatory compliance.
Provide mentoring and technical guidance to resolve challenges in a timely fashion.
Implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies and maintain laboratory state-of-the-art practices.
Perform routine testing in techniques such as the following with a high degree of reliability, efficiency and accuracy

o Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC)
o Size Exclusion HPLC-MALLS (SEC-MALLS)
o Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
o Intrinsic Tryptophan Fluorescence (ITF)
o Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
o Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
o Protein Binding via SPR-Biacore
o Circular Dichroism (CD)

Responsibilities

Independently review, interpret, analyze, evaluate, integrate, present and discuss experimental data with research staff and Sponsor.
Perform tabulation and statistical analyses of study data, as required.
Independently prepare high quality final reports appropriate for assigned study, including integration of supporting subcontractor(s)'s reports into final reports as required.
Assist in the technical review of procedures, data, and documentation.
Interact with clients regarding project design, scheduling, and conduct as requested.
Collaborate with appropriate departments to coordinate performance of projects, discuss issues, and prepare reports.
Participate in the proposal management and bid development process, serving as a key scientific contact for new business generated from established business relationships within the functional organization.
Provide scientific and technical leadership within Biologics to resolve challenges in a timely fashion, including research and development of new methodologies in study conduct.
Manage improvement projects (e.g. redesign of SOP's, research procedures or report formats).
Attend scientific meetings, conferences, and training courses to enhance job and professional skills.
For both cGMP and R&D grade routine testing, generate high quality data and technical reports on-time with respect to internal and client deadlines. Maintain a weekly schedule to ensure all timelines are met.
Actively participate in laboratory instrumentation and equipment preventative maintenance and qualification programs.
Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to Company policies or procedures. Actively participate in laboratory maintenance.
Comply with all pertinent regulatory standards regarding environs, equipment and testing services.
Perform equipment troubleshooting and repair (as applicable) with minimal guidance from senior members of the group.
Make detailed observations and maintain clear, accurate and timely documentation of all laboratory work.
Independently compose quality documentation including deviation reports and change control documentation with no/minimal guidance.
Create, review and edit SOPs, protocols and other data Forms and testing documentation.
Follow all SOPs, CTMs and cGMP as they relate to specific tasks.
Assist in training and provide technical support of Junior staff.
Participate in transferring and training of analytical technical staff on methodology for which qualification has been successfully completed.
Maintain up to date training records on all procedures and protocols applicable to work duties.
Ability to work in a structured and regulated environment
Work productively in group situations as well as independently
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a Chemistry/Biotechnology or related scientific discipline. M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
Experience: At least seven (7) years of relevant experience within a contract research, academic or pharmaceutical industry, including experience in the core competencies of characterization and analysis of biotherapeutics.
An equivalent combination of education and experience with contract research or the pharmaceutical industry may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Certification/Licensure: None
Other: Demonstrated knowledge of cGMPs or regulatory affairs pertaining to the pharmaceutical and biological industries is preferred. Ability to work on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Demonstrated ability to operate typical laboratory equipment, specifically HPLC, AUC, DSC, FTIR, DLS, Spectrometers and other laboratory equipment required. Ability to handle multiple projects, prioritize work and meet deadlines within a cGMP environment. Capable of data interpretation of basic characterization and analysis of biotherapeutics (glycoproteins and peptides) using biophysical laboratory tools and methodologies. Capable of anticipating and recognizing potential problems. Demonstrated independent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to maintain communication across functional groups. Ability to collaborate effectively within a group environment. Able to communicate (verbal and written) effectively in a small group or one on one setting. Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, instrumentation, and analysis software. Ability to understand and use internal software programs such as LIMS required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time while performing laboratory tasks.
Regularly observes, inspects, and interprets laboratory experiments requiring close vision and the ability to adjust focus and detect and differentiate colors.
Frequently required to walk, sit, stand, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Frequently and accurately operate laboratory pipettes
Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Regularly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Must regularly communicate with employees; must be able to exchange accurate information.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
General laboratory working conditions.
Regularly wears protective clothing (cap, gloves, scrubs, lab coat, and safety glasses).
Regularly works with or near toxic or caustic chemicals.
May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
Regularly works in a chemical fume hood.
Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
Frequently works with biohazards.
May be exposed to unpleasant odors.
The employee may work with sharp objects (i.e. needles, glass pipettes, pipet tips).
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

COMMENTS:
This position may require overtime, weekend, holiday, and/or after hours shift coverage, as needed.

Compensation Data

The pay range for this position is $130,000 to $140,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and location.

Competencies

Care - We show we care when we respect each other, our animals and the communities where we work and live, when we create a positive healthy workplace, when we are mindful of our compliance standards, and when we choose to do the right thing.

Collaborate -We collaborate when we partner with each other and promote teamwork, when we communicate clearly and effectively across the hall or around the globe, and when we welcome all forms of diversity and encourage inclusiveness.

Lead - We lead when we advocate our purpose and model our values, when we deliver innovation, when we embrace change, and when we appreciate and celebrate the great work of others.

Own - We act like owners when we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, when we respond to internal and external client needs with speed and accuracy, when we set and achieve meaningful goals, and when we strive towards continuous improvement.

About Biologics Testing Solutions
With more than 50 years of experience and proven regulatory expertise, the Charles River Biologics group can address challenging projects for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Offering a variety of services such as contamination and impurity testing, protein characterization, bioassays, viral clearance studies and stability and lot release programs, we support clients throughout the biologic development cycle, from the establishment and characterization of cell banks through preclinical and clinical studies to marketed products. Whether clients need stand-alone services, a unique package of testing, or insourced support, our Biologics group can create a custom solution to suit their needs. Each year more than 20,000 biologic testing reports are sent each and over 200 licenses products are supported by our biologics testing solutions team.

About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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