Biologist I – Cell Culture
Biologist I – Cell Culture
Location: Worcester, MA – OnsiteAssignment: 6-month contractShift: Sunday–Thursday, 1st shiftInterview Process: 1 virtual screening, then 1 onsite interview
About the Role
A leading global biopharmaceutical company is looking for a Biologist/Technician IV to join the Cell Culture Group in its Biologics Development and Launch (BDL) department. The group develops, scales up and transfers cell culture manufacturing processes for biologics in pre-clinical and clinical stages, supporting a strong drug development pipeline.
Working under the supervision of a scientist, you’ll support all aspects of laboratory operations for bench-scale cell culture process development. You’ll often act as a facilitator and team lead.
Key Responsibilities
Bioreactor Support
Support a fleet of more than 100 bench-scale (3 L) bioreactor systemsSet up, calibrate, troubleshoot and break down and decontaminate bioreactorsTrack and carry out required equipment maintenanceTake routine samples from ongoing cultures
Media Preparation
Prepare stock solutions and cell culture mediaFilter-sterilize and aliquot solutions using aseptic technique
General Lab Support
Manage inventory: order, receive and stock raw materials and lab consumablesPerform daily calibration and verification checks on lab equipment, including pH meters, cell counters and biochemical analyzersClean and maintain lab equipment and glasswareRecord data accurately in paper and electronic systems
Weekend (Sunday) Support
Independently carry out sampling and feeding requests for ongoing culturesReport issues to experiment owners and help resolve themPerform other lab support activities as requestedQualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Engineering or a related field3+ years of experience in an industrial laboratoryStrong attention to detail and a strong work ethicCell culture experience preferred, or at least a solid understanding of and interest in cell biologyWorks well in a teamWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office
Preferred:
Hands-on experience with bench-scale bioreactors (e.g., Ambr, Sartorius, Eppendorf/DASGIP, Applikon)Experience with aseptic technique, media prep and lab equipment calibrationExperience in a biologics or biopharma process development environmentMust-have skills
Non-negotiable:
3+ years of industrial lab experience (biotech or pharma, not academic-only)Aseptic technique: sterile filtration, aliquoting, media and solution preparationCell culture or cell biology: hands-on mammalian cell culture strongly preferred (CHO cells are a plus)Bioreactor handling: setup, sampling, calibration, troubleshooting and cleaning. Bench-scale experience is ideal.Lab equipment upkeep: pH meters, cell counters (e.g., Vi-CELL), biochemical analyzers (e.g., Nova, Cedex)Attention to detail and good documentation practice: accurate paper and electronic recordsTeamwork and work ethic: reliable, able to work independently on Sundays and lead or facilitate tasksMS Office
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Biotech, Biology, Engineering or a related fieldCommitted to the Sunday–Thursday scheduleLocal to Worcester, MA, 100% onsite, and available for a 6-month contract
Top 3 to verify in screening:
Hands-on cell culture and bioreactor experienceAseptic technique and media prepComfortable working every Sunday, with no conflicts