Manager -Upstream Process Development

Scientist / Manager – Upstream Process Development (Cell Culture)Location: Bangalore, IndiaDepartment: Process Development – Biologics / VaccinesExperience Level: 7–12 years (relevant industry experience)About MynvaxMynvax is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and scalable manufacturing of thermostable recombinant vaccines against respiratory and emerging viral infections. The company collaborates closely with leading academic and translational partners including the Indian Institute of Science, THSTI, and global R&D groups.Role SummaryThe Scientist/Manager – Upstream Process Development will lead the design, optimization, and scale-up of cell culture processes for recombinant vaccine antigens expressed in insect and mammalian systems. The incumbent will manage a team of 4–5 Research Associates and Senior Research Associates, oversee process operations from bench to pilot scale, and ensure robust and reproducible process performance aligned with technology transfer and manufacturing objectives.Key Responsibilities·        Lead upstream process development for recombinant protein and vaccine antigen production using insect (Sf9, Sf21) & mammalian (CHO) c·        Plan, design, and execute experiments for media/feed optimization, infection/transfection kinetics, and process scale-up (1–50 L)·        Supervise and mentor a team of 4–5 Research Associates/Senior Research Associates to ensure smooth lab and pilot-scale operations.·        Ensure adherence to aseptic and cleanroom practices, GLP/GMP guidelines, and biosafety regulations.·        Review and approve experimental protocols, batch records, and process documentation.·        Collaborate cross-functionally with downstream, analytical, and QA/QC teams for process integration and technology transfer.·        Participate in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation for upstream-related deviations.·        Prepare detailed technical reports, development summaries, and contribute to regulatory documentation and IND/IMPD filings.·        Drive innovation in upstream process optimization using statistical design tools (DoE), PAT, and bioreactor data analytics.·        Plan resource utilization, equipment scheduling, and inventory management for the upstream lab.Required Qualifications and Skills·        Ph.D. or MTech/M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related life sciences discipline.·        7–12 years of industrial experience in cell culture-based process development and scale-up for recombinant proteins or vaccines.·        Strong hands-on experience with insect cell culture (baculovirus/Sf9 systems) and mammalian cell lines (CHO).·        Experience operating and optimizing bioreactors (1–50 L) and familiarity with bioreactor control systems (Applikon, Sartorius, etc.).·        Proven ability to lead and mentor teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.·        Excellent understanding of aseptic techniques, bioprocess scale-up, and upstream-downstream process interfaces.·        Strong project management, documentation, and presentation skills.·        Ability to independently plan, execute, and deliver on project timelines.Desirable Skills·        Exposure to GMP manufacturing or tech transfer environments.·        Experience with statistical design tools (DoE, JMP, Minitab) and PAT implementation.·        Knowledge of vaccine development workflows and regulatory documentation requirements (IND/IMPD).·        Familiarity with continuous processing or high-cell-density culture systems.Reporting ToHead – Preclinical R&DEmployment TypeFull-time | On-site (Bangalore)