Manager - Upstream Process Development

As a Scientist/Manager in Upstream Process Development at Mynvax, you will play a crucial role in leading the design, optimization, and scale-up of cell culture processes for recombinant vaccine antigens expressed in insect and mammalian systems. Your responsibilities will include: - Leading upstream process development for recombinant protein and vaccine antigen production using insect (Sf9, Sf21) & mammalian (CHO) cells. - Planning, designing, and executing experiments for media/feed optimization, infection/transfection kinetics, and process scale-up (150 L). - Supervising and mentoring a team of 45 Research Associates/Senior Research Associates to ensure smooth lab and pilot-scale operations. - Ensuring adherence to aseptic and cleanroom practices, GLP/GMP guidelines, and biosafety regulations. - Collaborating cross-functionally with downstream, analytical, and QA/QC teams for process integration and technology transfer. - Participating in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and CAPA implementation for upstream-related deviations. - Driving innovation in upstream process optimization using statistical design tools (DoE), PAT, and bioreactor data analytics. - Planning resource utilization, equipment scheduling, and inventory management for the upstream lab. Qualifications and Skills required for this role include: - 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 (150 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 for this role include 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), and familiarity with continuous processing or high-cell-density culture systems. You will be reporting to the Head of Preclinical R&D at Mynvax. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Bangalore, India.,