Process Development Scientist, Formulations

Acambis is a biotechnology company discovering, developing and manufacturing novel vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases. We are based in Cambridge, UK and Cambridge, Massachusetts with additional facilities in Canton, MA, Coral Gables, FL and Rockville, MD.

 

Recognized internationally as the leading producer of smallpox vaccines, Acambis is developing a second-generation smallpox vaccine that is currently undergoing clinical trials.  We are establishing a travel vaccines franchise through our US-based subsidiary Berna Products Corporation, which markets Vivotif?, the world's only licensed oral typhoid vaccine, in North America. Acambis has a number of other potential travel vaccines in development and is conducting clinical trials of vaccines against yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever.

 

We offer a collaborative work environment focused on success and mutual respect.  In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a dynamic benefits package that out paces the competition.

 

Our Cambridge-based Process Development Department is looking for a Formulations Scientist. This newly created position will play a key role in the development of stable vaccine products for Acambis.  The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in developing formulations for vaccine products, including expertise in the selection and analysis of adjuvant-containing protein formulations as well as lyophilized formulations for live viral or protein vaccines. Knowledge of fill/finish processes and container-closure selection/evaluation and validation is desirable. A high level of technical expertise in the stabilization of viral and protein formulations is required to ensure the clinical success of our new vaccine candidates. Reporting to the Director of Viral Process Development, this individual will direct the development of new vaccine formulations for pipeline products in coordination with other functional groups. This role will also be responsible for the technology transfer of methods and formulation processes to our manufacturing groups.

 General Job Responsibilities:Under general guidelines, develops methods for the production and testing of new vaccine formulations, technologies and products. Involved in new product scale-up, process optimization, technology transfer and process validation activities.Assists in the development of manufacturing procedures and product specifications. Writes, reviews, and edits technical documents.Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories and contributes to scientific literature and conferences.  Utilize professional concepts as well as company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.Develops and maintains functional-area budgets and staffing plans.As functional manager, this position will have 1 or more direct reports (Process Development Associates), with direct line control, including matters such as recruiting, compensation, promotion, performance reviews and termination.





The right individual needs a PhD in a scientific discipline as well as experience in a research and/or development environment in the area of protein or biologicals stabilization. Two years experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry is also required.  The hired individual will have demonstrated expertise and experience in the development of stable lyophilized formulations for live viral or proteins. Experience with the development of stable adjuvant-containing formulations for vaccines is a definite plus.

 

This individual must possess technical proficiency, scientific creativity, critical thinking, and independent thought. A strong commitment to laboratory research is required.  This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to function both independently and collaboratively.

 

This resource must be able to function with general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments.  This hired individual will show a proven ability to lead a small team of researchers in a multi-project environment to help meet corporate, departmental and personal objectives.

 

CONTACT INFO:

 

Human Resources

Acambis Inc.

38 Sidney Street

Cambridge, MA  02139

E-mail:  careers@acambis.com



 

Acambis Inc. provides a competitive salary and a full range of benefits.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to promoting a culturally diverse workplace.