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A global biologics manufacturing organization is seeking a Head of Bioreactor Scale-Up, Upstream Modeling to lead a specialized team responsible for process scale-up modeling within the upstream process development function. This role combines deep technical ownership with people leadership and is suited to an individual who wants to remain hands-on in science while guiding a small expert team. The Head of will be responsible for defining and driving scale-up strategies for mammalian and microbial processes, ensuring robust transfer from development scale to large-scale manufacturing. The position will also own the continued development of a proprietary scale-up model and help shape the future direction of modeling tools and methodologies. This is a highly technical leadership opportunity for someone with strong expertise in bioreactor scale-up, engineering principles, and process modeling, combined with the ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and external customers.
Job Responsibility
Lead and provide technical direction to a specialized team focused on upstream process scale-up modeling
Define and execute the strategy for the company’s proprietary scale-up model
Drive the continued development and modernization of the modeling platform, including transition from Excel/VBA to Python
Act as the key decision-maker for the modeling team and unify technical approaches across projects
Serve as a subject matter expert on customer programs involving process transfer and scale-up
Support successful scale-up from small-scale development systems to large-scale bioreactors up to 20,000L
Provide expertise in bioreactor characterization, mixing strategies, gassing strategies, and engineering fundamentals relevant to process scale-up
Interface directly with customers and present, explain, and defend modeling strategies and conclusions
Collaborate with internal technical teams to support robust process development and transfer
Supervise, coach, and develop team members
Help create technical alignment within an international team with different scientific perspectives
Contribute to the future expansion of the modeling capability across a broader global network
Requirements
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, life sciences, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development involving mammalian and/or microbial cell cultures
Deep understanding of process scaling principles and bioreactor engineering
Hands-on experience with process modeling, such as CFD modeling or related simulation tools
Strong knowledge of the mathematical principles behind scale-up and modeling
Proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, R, or MATLAB
Ability to provide technical direction in complex development programs
Nice to have
Experience with Python, especially in relation to technical tool development or migration
Previous customer-facing experience
Experience in a CDMO or similarly complex multi-product environment