Explore high-impact Director of Upscalator Biomanufacturing & Scale-up Initiative jobs, a senior leadership role at the forefront of translating groundbreaking biological science into commercially viable products. Professionals in this field are strategic architects who bridge the critical gap between laboratory discovery and full-scale industrial production. They lead dedicated initiatives or internal departments focused exclusively on scaling bioprocesses, ensuring innovative biosolutions—such as sustainable proteins, enzymes, therapeutics, or biomaterials—can be manufactured efficiently, consistently, and cost-effectively at pilot and commercial volumes. The core mission of a Director in this domain is to build and oversee a comprehensive scale-up function. This involves establishing and managing a Process Design Unit or similar core facility, which serves as an intermediary testing ground. Here, processes developed in small-scale R&D are rigorously optimized and characterized for larger equipment. A significant portion of the role involves strategic advisory work, providing expert guidance to internal project teams or external startup companies on their scale-up pathways, de-risking their transition to manufacturing. Directors are responsible for the entire operational workflow, from experimental design and data analysis to managing budgets, timelines, and key performance indicators for the initiative. Leadership and stakeholder management are paramount. These directors build and mentor multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation. Externally, they cultivate and manage a vital network of partnerships with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), pilot plants, equipment vendors, and academic institutions. They act as the organization's foremost subject matter expert on scale-up, influencing strategic direction and often contributing to securing funding or investment for scaling endeavors. Typical requirements for these executive jobs include an advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Bioengineering, coupled with 10+ years of progressive industrial experience. Candidates must possess a proven, hands-on track record of successfully scaling bioprocesses from bench to at least pilot scale, with a deep understanding of bioreactor operation, downstream processing, and tech transfer principles. Essential skills extend beyond technical prowess to include demonstrated success in building new functions or teams, exceptional project and people management capabilities, and a strong commercial acumen regarding the biosolutions value chain. Fluency in the language of both science and business, combined with an extensive professional network, defines the profile of leaders who excel in these critical roles, making them highly sought-after for senior biomanufacturing jobs.
