Sr/Principal Scientist - Upstream Process Development

genezenlabs

Indianapolis, IN · Indianapolis · United States

Posted Jun 15, 2026

Full-time
Process Development

Job description

The field of gene therapy is growing rapidly and Genezen is here to meet the exacting needs of our clients. We provide process development, produce GMP viral vectors, and provide cell transduction for gene and cell therapy clinical trials and are proud to be a part of the process that leads to new cures.

WORKING AT GENEZEN

Many people have worked in environments where you feel like just another nameless part of an enormous machine. Genezen is different. We want our employees to be innovative, collaborative problem solvers who are dedicated to meeting the challenges of working at a fast-growing company. We are dedicated to empowering our employees to be their best and making Genezen a rewarding place to work. Every employee contributes to the success of the company and you can be part of that team.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sr./Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development will be part of the Process Development Group reporting to the Director of Process Development. The role will have direct management responsibility for a team of Scientists and Research Associates. The Sr/Principal Scientist is responsible for the Upstream Process development, characterization, technology transfer and GMP manufacturing technical support. This individual will lead or contribute as a core member of various cross-functional teams, and interact extensively with other departments within Genezen, including Analytical Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and MSAT. This is a client-facing position with regular interaction with our partners including external presentations, driving the technical discussion and program strategy.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical oversight and strategic input for upstream viral vector drug substance development activities
Leads, proposes, manages, and coordinates activities on platform improvement/continuous projects in USP labs
Leads, manages, and supports late-stage development, by identifying tasks, planning, monitoring progress of deliverables, and in terms of protocol and report generation in areas such as scale-down model qualification, process characterization, and scale-down model process validation studies
Leads and supports technology transfer activities at pilot plant and when necessary, preforms experiments him/herself, focusing scale-up platform process at scale and process improvements implementation, process characterization at scale and bills of materials as well as sampling plans.
Provides MSAT and manufacturing technical Upstream SME support for process troubleshooting, manufacturing data analysis, root cause analysis, and deviations during GMP production, change controls, CAPAs, CCRs and other Quality Systems documentation as needed.
Designs and outlines experimental plans to meet the defined Genezen and client objective. Analyses and reviews experimental results and data.
Performs, optimizes, and maintains linear scale-down models. Writes, reviews, and approves electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) entries, experimental protocols, development reports, process descriptions, and scientific reports
Presents project progress and results internally to cross-functional teams and externally to clients/stakeholders
Maintains robust communication with all relevant functions that have an impact on or are impacted by Upstream Process Development
Coordinates and supervises the activities in the USP labs (with a team of engineers/ (Jr.) bioprocess technologist, co-op students, interns, temporary personnel (contractors), and technical SMEs and when necessary, performs experiments him/herself. Guides junior USP team members by setting goals/tasks on projects

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Adaptability required as work schedule may change based on business needs
Criminal background check required
Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES	Essential/Desired
MSc with 8+ years of relevant work experience in Bioprocess Engineering/ Life Science Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Protein Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines	Essential
PhD with 6+ years of relevant work experience in Bioprocess Engineering/ Life Science Biotechnology/Biochemistry/ Protein Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines	Desired
ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE
Process Development and Cell Line Development Experience	Essential
Upstream Processing Experience with Cell Culture, Bioreactor Technologies, and Transfection/Infection approaches	Essential
Prior work experience at a CDMO	Desired
SKILLS / ABILITIES
Hands-on experience on complex biologics, e.g. gene therapy, viral vaccines, therapeutic proteins	Essential
Experience with technology transfer and GMP manufacturing technical support	Essential
Experience with EMA/FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, GMP and quality systems	Essential
Effective communicator with track record of presenting data to relevant stakeholders including external stakeholders	Essential
Experience with DoE design and statistical analysis on large data sets	Essential
Excellent scientific writing skills demonstrated by publications and reports	Essential
Experience with direct management of Scientists and Research Associates including day-to-day oversight and direction and career development and coaching.	Essential

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to meet the following physical demands:

Work Environment

Regularly sit for long periods of time

Movement

Frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms
Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

Lifting

Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Rarely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Vision

Frequently utilize close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Communication

Frequently required to communicate by talking, hearing, using telephone and e-mail

GENEZEN'S CURES VALUE-BASED COMPETENCIES

Committed to Science
We are committed to scientific excellence, staying current with industry developments, making data-driven decisions, and pursuing innovation to advance healthcare.

Urgency in action for the patients
We operate with urgency and a commitment to delivering timely treatments to patients by accelerating our partners' programs.

Resilience & Grit in operations
We are committed to overcoming challenges, learning from failures, and persistently striving for success.

Execute with Excellence & Integrity
We are dedicated to delivering quality results and upholding ethical principals.

Solutions driven for our partners
We are committed to being a proactive, collaborative, creative and open-minded partner.

GENEZEN'S BENEFITS

Paid vacation days, amount based on tenure
Paid sick time
10 observed holidays + 2 floating holiday + 1 volunteer day
401(k) plan with company match up to 6% of salary
Share Appreciation Rights
Choice of several healthcare plans
FSA and HSA programs
Dental & vision care
Employer-paid basic term life/personal accident insurance
Voluntary disability, universal life/personal accident insurance
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Nothing in the job description for this role restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This position requires a criminal background check.
Genezen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Genezen participates in EVerify.
Genezen is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Genezen has operates two locations: one in Fishers, Indiana and the second in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis. Fishers was named the #1 place to live in the US by Money Magazine in 2017 for its livability, safety and entrepreneurship. Fishers is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and is dedicated to supporting a high quality of life for all its residents. Nearby Indianapolis is home to professional and college sports teams, the Indy 500, a growing art community and the world’s largest children’s museum--to name just a few reasons why this area is a great place to live.

Lexington, Massachusetts, located just northwest of Boston, is renowned as a historic suburb with a rich cultural heritage. It boasts picturesque New England charm, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant community. Known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution, Lexington offers visitors and residents alike a blend of historical landmarks, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community pride.